Testimony

The Inspector General testified before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries that FY 2003 is a critical year for the Coast Guard as it adjusts its missions in the wake of 9/11 and engages in the most expensive acquisition in its history—the Deepwater Capability Replacement Project. The Coast Guard is also working to resolve serious weaknesses in its search and rescue program and has begun overhauling the National Distress (911) System for mariners. The IG has identified balancing Coast Guard's mission and budget needs in light of 9/11 as a top ten management challenge for the Department in FY 2003.