Senator Luján Questions Coast Guard Nominee on Caribbean Boat Strikes

Coast Guard's Role in Caribbean Operations

• 🎯 Senator Ben Ray Luján questioned Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, nominee for Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, regarding military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific.
• ❓ Luján specifically asked if the U.S. Coast Guard has a role in these strikes, to which Admiral Lunday stated the Coast Guard is not involved in the Department of War's operations.
• ⚖️ When asked if these strikes fall within U.S. and international law, Admiral Lunday deferred to the Department of War, emphasizing his focus on Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Authority.

Coast Guard's Counter-Drug Mission

• 🚢 Admiral Lunday confirmed the Coast Guard's ongoing responsibilities in the Caribbean and Pacific, focusing on traditional counter-drug missions under Homeland Security direction.
• 📈 He highlighted the Coast Guard's effectiveness in interdicting vessels and seizing record amounts of drugs, such as cocaine during Operation Pacific Viper.
• 💡 Luján inquired if these interdiction operations yield intelligence opportunities beyond immediate outcomes, to which Lunday confirmed they do contribute to dismantling networks and prosecuting individuals.

Concerns Over Inter-Agency Communication

• 🗣️ Senator Luján expressed surprise and concern that the Secretary of Defense had not discussed these military strikes with Admiral Lunday, considering his expertise.
• 🤝 Luján urged the Secretary of Defense to engage with Admiral Lunday to leverage his knowledge and experience.

Nominee's Pledge

• ✅ Admiral Lunday pledged to work collaboratively with the Senate Commerce Committee, providing thorough and timely responses and appearing before the committee when requested.