When we think of the U.S. Coast Guard what often comes to mind Is emergency search and rescue operations. The Coast Guard would indeed be a worthy service if that were their only mission. But that is only the beginning of the list. In addition to search and rescue efforts. our U.S. Coast Guard also performs maritime and environmental protection law enforcement. refugee assistance. drug interdiction. administers boating safety standards. implements aids to navigation. and responds to oil spills and other disasters. These peacetime missions have greatly expanded as our Nations needs have changed. That is only part of the story.