Original broadcast 4/19/25
Presented by Iron Mountain and Carahsoft
In an era of intensifying geopolitical tension, complex transnational threats, and rapidly evolving maritime challenges, the U.S. Coast Guard's role in the Indo-Pacific is more critical than ever. Vice Admiral Andrew Tiongson, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, offers a strategic and candid assessment of the threats, missions, and operational realities facing America’s maritime frontlines in the Pacific.
Expanding the Indo-Pacific Lens
While much of the strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific has zeroed in on Chinese aggression in the Western Pacific, Tiongson emphasizes the need to broaden the aperture. “My intent is to not only talk about that,” he explains, “but also the national emergency declared on our southern border and in the Pacific—and what the Coast Guard is doing to look at our maritime borders and approaches.”
The Coast Guard’s responsibility extends from the western shores of the U.S. mainland to the far reaches of the Western Pacific and into the Arctic. In this vast area of responsibility (AOR), Tiongson is balancing threats ranging from illegal migration and drug trafficking to gray zone operations by near-peer adversaries like China and Russia.
Responding to Maritime Migration & Drug Trafficking
The tightening of land borders has driven migration patterns to the sea. The maritime boundary line between Mexico and San Diego has seen a 54% increase in attempted crossings, particularly by migrants from countries other than Mexico. "That’s a problem,” Tiongson says. “These are all unvetted migrants. We don’t know if they’re criminals, we don’t know if they’re terrorists.”
In response, the Coast Guard has tripled its presence in that sector, deploying vessels, aircraft, and small boats to gain control of the maritime approaches and prevent potential threats from reaching U.S. shores.
Simultaneously, the Eastern Pacific remains a corridor for cocaine trafficking—much of it driven by transnational criminal organizations that also fund fentanyl distribution. “To date this fiscal year, we’ve interdicted 91,000 kilograms of cocaine,” Tiongson notes, linking narcotics interdiction directly to homeland security and public health.
Projecting Presence & Partnerships in the Western Pacific
On the other side of the Pacific, Tiongson is overseeing the deployment of national security cutters and Coast Guard teams to work hand-in-hand with regional allies like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
“We’re looking at maritime governance in general,” he says. “What can we do to increase regional security, which makes the United States stronger and more prosperous?”
From participating in multilateral exercises to embedding small teams in allied countries, the Coast Guard’s efforts are building deep trust and interoperability. “Our small teams can become a trusted partner,” he explains, “and make a real difference so that nations believe in America moving forward.”
Tiongson underscores that these relationships are stronger than ever. “Every year, they get stronger. I’ve seen it firsthand over the last three years.”
Resource Gaps: The Case for Coast Guard Recapitalization
As the Coast Guard's mission grows, so do its capability gaps. Tiongson is blunt about the need for more resources.
“Our rotary-wing aircraft are flying 19,000 hours. Some are grounded or about to be grounded,” he warns. “I need fixed-wing aircraft, I need maritime patrol lift, and I’m operating cutters that are 50 years old.”
The Coast Guard’s acquisition budget stands at under $2 billion—a fraction of overall Department of Defense spending. Tiongson urges more support and advocacy for investment in recapitalization, especially for the Offshore Patrol Cutter, Arctic Security Cutter, and Polar Security Cutter programs.
“You can’t replace all of this with a meager $2 billion,” he says, emphasizing that America’s maritime safety, security, and sovereignty depend on readiness and modernization.
The Arctic Front: An Emerging Strategic Concern
While the Indo-Pacific draws most of the headlines, Tiongson flags the Arctic as a rapidly evolving risk environment. “Before 2021, we averaged one PRC or Russian vessel operating in our EEZ near the Bering Strait. In 2024, there were 16 incursions,” he reveals. “These were warships, intelligence ships, and research vessels. What are they doing? Why are they there?”
The increased activity from China and Russia in the Arctic signals a shift in global maritime competition and underscores the need for persistent U.S. presence and surveillance in high-latitude regions.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Vice Admiral Tiongson’s strategic vision is as clear as it is urgent. From securing southern maritime borders to reinforcing the rules-based order in the Western Pacific, and from halting the flow of deadly drugs to countering Arctic incursions, the Coast Guard’s role has never been more expansive—or more essential.
But to fulfill that role, the service needs modern tools, sustained investment, and strong advocacy.
“We need support,” Tiongson concludes. “Support and advocacy for the Coast Guard, our missions, and what we do to protect the American public.”