HERBERGER: PLACE U.S. COAST GUARD UNDER HOMELAND SECURITY OFFICE

HERBERGER: PLACE U.S. COAST GUARD UNDER HOMELAND SECURITY OFFICE    Some industry and government officials involved in maritime and port security want to place the U.S. Coast Guard under the jurisdiction of the new Homeland Security Office to give the agency adequate attention.
   “It’s a travesty the way the Coast Guard has been held while its mission is increasing,” said (Ret.) Vice Adm. Albert Herberger, former administrator of the Maritime Administration and senior advisor of the National Defense Transportation Association’s Sealift Committee. “It’s time for the Coast Guard to be treated properly.”
   The Coast Guard’s mission has rapidly expanded since the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks on the United States. The agency provides maritime and seaport security, in addition to monitoring hazardous cargoes, vessel safety and environmental controls.
   The Coast Guard is ranked the seventh largest navy in the world, but in terms of fleet age, it is ranked 35th out of 41 navies.
   Herberger, who made his comments Thursday evening at a maritime security meeting sponsored by the University of Virginia Law School, said the Coast Guard desperately needs a boost in funding to modernize its operations, but struggles to compete for funding with other high-profile Transportation Department agencies, such as the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. The Coast Guard needs a “new home” in the Homeland Security Office, he said.