5 Fall 2024 Proceedings law enforcement focus of the Department of Homeland Security, the diplomacy of the Department of State, and the capabilities of the Department of Defense, providing us unique access in the international sphere and solidifying our role in strengthening maritime governance around the world. Global strategic competition is challenging the rules- based order by eroding international norms, maritime governance, and regional stability. Collaboration with the international community is essential to meet emerg- ing global challenges. To that end, the Coast Guard has hundreds of personnel stationed around the world. Our boats, cutters, and aircraft deploy to conduct joint operations and capacity-building with many nations. We have maritime advisors, Coast Guard attachés, secu- rity cooperation officers, liaisons, and international port security specialists assigned across the globe working to bolster maritime security. Coast Guard officers are assigned to U.S. government departments and agencies, the White House, and Congress to advise senior leaders and shape U.S. foreign policy. Our personnel further the Coast Guard’s global impact through liaison positions at Department of Defense combatant and functional com- mands, including Pacific Command, Central Command, and Special Operations Command. In Bahrain, our larg- est footprint overseas, more than 250 personnel deploy to deter piracy, protect critical maritime infrastructure, and build interoperability. This distribution of Coast Guard personnel around the world is part of a multifaceted approach to strengthen force-multiplying partnerships, provide persistent presence, and maintain the interna- tional rules-based order. The Coast Guard is a strategic element of national power. Using our partnerships, international forums, and unique access, we foster global security, economic prosperity, and improve maritime gover- nance around the world. I am extremely proud to show- case the efforts of our personnel and how their work contributes to the overall Coast Guard and national security strategies. doing in the Dutch countryside, let alone Europe? While the public might more readily associate the Coast Guard with domestic missions such as search and rescue, drug interdiction, and pollution response, there is a global footprint of Coasties conducting some of the most unique missions our service offers. So, if you’ve ever wondered why Coasties are stationed in Japan or on assignment in Africa or Germany, read on. A little background as to how this edition got off the ground: It all started during the typical morning coffee chat around the office with the idea to submit one article to Proceedings, the Coast Guard’s journal of safety and security at sea. Three cups of coffee later, I was sending emails port and starboard to my peers and mentors, soliciting interest to create an overseas edition and voila—here we are. Special thanks to my overseas colleagues. Not only will you hear from Coast Guard Activities Europe, but also various Coast Guard units around the world. In this issue, we’re uncovering those hidden gems and best-kept secrets, from expert travel tips to inter- national programs. We’ll share our cultural experiences and highlight some of our most extensive work in the marine safety field (think really big cruise ships), inter- agency efforts such as the education of foreign mari- ners, and how we ensure security in foreign ports and at home. These efforts overseas impact the MTS and ensure the safety and security of foreign ships arriving to the United States. Finally, we hope to inspire you to join our community of international Coasties. Please ensure that your seat backs and tray tables are in the upright position, luggage stowed under the seats in front of you, and your seatbelts are fastened because we’re about to take a trip around the world!
