Semper Paratus – Always Ready

As a beach, boating, and border community, San Diego is no stranger to illegal efforts to enter the United States. But headlines have shifted from finding abandoned panga boats on the beach to intercepting them miles offshore.

The US Coast Guard has massively increased efforts to halt the smuggling of drugs and people.

As a major hub for the US Navy, the San Diego boating community is accustomed to ships and aircraft crossing the race courses. Additionally, US Coast Guard Station San Diego alongside the inshore race track is well positioned for emergency response.

But as the maritime law enforcement service branch of the armed forces of the United States, the Coasties in 2025 have had a significant impact beyond rescuing distressed boaters. Since January 21, the Coast Guard has tripled its forces operating on the southern border.

“The Coast Guard leads the U.S. government’s efforts to control, secure and defend the nation’s borders and maritime approaches, starting at the U.S. southern border where the president has declared a national emergency,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting Coast Guard commandant.

“We are now leveraging U.S. Navy capabilities with Coast Guard teams aboard to augment our forces off Southern California and Texas. These Navy ships provide unique capability to complement U.S. Coast Guard operations to achieve 100% operational control of the border.”

An announcement will soon reveal a record-setting drug offload from Coast Guard interdiction efforts