U.S. Coast Guard on duty during shut down

MARQUETTE — It has been over 6 days of no pay one branch of the military since the partial government shut down happened, but these servicemen are not letting that stop them from keeping citizens safe.

The U.S. Coast Guard is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security and does a variety of duties.

These responsibilities include Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, Aids to Navigation, Ice Breaking, Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness.

Even though they are not receiving pay these men and women are not letting that get in the way of their duties.

“The Coast Guard and all of its active duty members are still keeping watch,” said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class, Timothy Koscielny. “We are still available and we are still going to work. We are here because the American Public needs us.”

The current duties being held at high priority are training procedures, Search and Rescue, as well as, Maritime Law Enforcement operations, all other tasks are currently on hold.

All duties will resume once the partial government shutdown has come to an end.