Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the US Coast Guard during a federally declared disaster.

The US Coast Guard fulfils significant roles and responsibilities during federally declared disasters, continuing to carry out its inherent functions within the broad, whole-of-government response. Under the National Response Framework, the Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates federal assistance according to the Stafford Act. Through this framework, the Coast Guard receives mission assignments to serve as a primary or support agency to perform various tasks essential to recovery from disaster. This paper explains the nuances behind the Coast Guard's roles and responsibilities during a federally declared disaster. Within a coordinated, well managed, whole-of-government response, the Coast Guard is an essential asset to the nation's ability to respond and recover from disaster.