The Coast Guard is the lead agency for governance of cyber security in the Maritime Transportation System, specifically as it relates to Maritime Transportation Security facilities. This incident reinforced an important rule: relationships matter. We are continuously working within DHS and across industry to strengthen relationships between Federal agencies and public and private sector stakeholders to enhance the flow of information and interoperability. The Coast Guard provided situational awareness of the incident to DHS and the broader national security fabric regarding potential port disruptions or impacts to the MTS – an MTS which accounts for $4.6 trillion of our Nation’s economic activity annually. This incident highlights the need for the maritime industry to adopt cyber risk management practices and resiliency measures in the event systems that rely on automation are disrupted. I muse, the only place we need not worry about cyber is on some of our 70 year old river tenders. Western Hemisphere Strategy and UAS Question: You have said you need unmanned aircraft systems to support your missions. How would this platform aid your efforts in the Western Hemisphere? The Coast Guard is on the front lines combating organized criminal networks that destabalize our region. These networks, with their commodity of choice being drugs and people, are a direct threat to our National Security. Just last year, the Coast Guard, in concert with our international and interagency partners, achieved a record removal of cocaine – 201 metric tons. But there were 580 events last year that we were aware of but could not target. This is an issue of capacity. A long-range UAS program operated by USCG personnel is a critical element of our offensive border strategy and although the FY18 President’s Budget does not include funding for this, it is reflected on the FY18 UPL. Human Capital Strategy Question: What are your biggest personnel challenges? Ships, planes and boats are all hollow without people. That is why we have a Human Capital Strategy to guide our organization in ensuring we have the finest Coast Guard in the world.
The Coast Guard is the lead agency for governance of cyber security in the Maritime Transportation System, specifically as it relates to Maritime Transportation Security facilities. This incident reinforced an important rule: relationships matter. We are continuously working within DHS and across industry to strengthen relationships between Federal agencies and public and private sector stakeholders to enhance the flow of information and interoperability. The Coast Guard provided situational awareness of the incident to DHS and the broader national security fabric regarding potential port disruptions or impacts to the MTS – an MTS which accounts for $4.6 trillion of our Nation’s economic activity annually. This incident highlights the need for the maritime industry to adopt cyber risk management practices and resiliency measures in the event systems that rely on automation are disrupted. I muse, the only place we need not worry about cyber is on some of our 70 year old river tenders. Western Hemisphere Strategy and UAS Question: You have said you need unmanned aircraft systems to support your missions. How would this platform aid your efforts in the Western Hemisphere? The Coast Guard is on the front lines combating organized criminal networks that destabalize our region. These networks, with their commodity of choice being drugs and people, are a direct threat to our National Security. Just last year, the Coast Guard, in concert with our international and interagency partners, achieved a record removal of cocaine – 201 metric tons. But there were 580 events last year that we were aware of but could not target. This is an issue of capacity. A long-range UAS program operated by USCG personnel is a critical element of our offensive border strategy and although the FY18 President’s Budget does not include funding for this, it is reflected on the FY18 UPL. Human Capital Strategy Question: What are your biggest personnel challenges? Ships, planes and boats are all hollow without people. That is why we have a Human Capital Strategy to guide our organization in ensuring we have the finest Coast Guard in the world.
Prep%20USNI%20MaritimeSecurityDialogue%2001Aug17.docx