
I am proud to deliver the Coast Guard Strategic Plan 2018-2022, which represents our Senior Leaders’ shared vision to advance the Service over the next four years. This Strategic Plan supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Strategy (NSS) to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous homeland. The lines of effort in this plan emphasize our need to invest in Service readiness while fine-tuning mission execution and operational support to meet the needs of the Nation.
Maximizing Readiness Today and Tomorrow is my top priority. Service readiness begins with our people — our greatest strength — including our dedication to maintaining an inclusive workplace and striving to mirror the great diversity of the American public we serve. Supporting our mission-ready total workforce requires capable assets, modern systems, resilient infrastructure, and sufficient Operations and Support (O&S) appropriations to operate and sustain them.
Our unique position within DHS and our enduring role with the Department of Defense (DOD) allows our Service to effectively Address the Nation’s Complex Maritime Challenges. We will employ our leadership within the maritime domain to foster domestic and international cooperation, build stakeholder capacity, and exert influence at home and abroad. As Commandant, I intend to leverage the Coast Guard’s broad authorities, capabilities, and partnerships to safeguard the American people, promote economic prosperity, and advance national interests.
Upholding our legacy of on-scene initiative across our broad missions, we will Deliver Mission Excellence Anytime, Anywhere. This begins with orienting all of our Service’s initiatives to promote organizational efficiency, agility, and effectiveness and extends to the daily work of Coast Guard women and men during steady state or in times of crisis.
While it is impossible to predict what the next four years will bring, I can assure you we will face complex challenges around the world that will require our very best – the best people, best tools, and our best performance. Collectively, we will ensure that the Coast Guard remains Always Ready to meet the needs of our great Nation.
Admiral Karl L. Schultz
Commandant