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Area

Below the Commandant and Coast Guard Headquarters are the Area Commanders. The Coast Guard is divided into two Areas, Atlantic and Pacific. The Area Commander is under the direction of the Commandant and is responsible for overall mission performance within the respective Area and serves as the intermediate echelon of command between the Commandant and intra-Area District and Mantenance and Logistics Commanders.

Each area is subdivided into a number of Districts. District Commanders report to the Area Commanders.

Area Commanders have specific authority and responsibility to plan, coordinate and control operations in any mission which involves more than one district or which, by the Area Commander's judgement, is better dealt with the at the Area level. The Area Commander may reassign resources to meet temporary, specific operational situations and may recommend to the Commandant permanant resource changes which will improve operational efficiency and/or effectiveness.

When by the Area Commander's judgement a specific operation is better dealt with at the Area level, the Area Commander may take control of the event. In doing so the Area Commander may take temporary control of District resources and/or place them under the control of another District Commander, when by the Area Commander's judgement such action is needed.

Area Commanders are responsible for the operation of all Coast Guard vessels over 180ft, with the remainder under the operational control of District, Group and Station commanders. This includes High Endrance, Medium Endurance, Icebreakers, and fixed-wing aircraft.

During a time of war or by direction of the President Area Commanders also serve as the Commanders of the Maritime Defense Zones. The Atlantic and Pacific Area commanders are responsible for coastal warfare, defense planning and exercises. In war, or when an MDZ is activated, Coast Guard MDZ commanders conduct port security and U.S. coastal defense operations within the 200-mile zone. The MDZ commands integrate Coast Guard and Navy forces, both active and reserve.