The U.S. Coast Guard increasingly is extending its operations, often venturing far from the homeland to combat the rising tides of piracy and terrorism. While the nation s oldest seagoing service is most known for protect- ing the U.S. shoreline, its homeland security as well as law enforcement and defense capabilities are in high demand, leading to debate over its appropriate role. In years past, the Coast Guard has fallen under the purview of the Treasury Department and then the Transportation Department, and in February 2003, it officially became a part of the Department of Homeland Security.
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