What are the two major areas of responsibility of the Coast Guard?

The two major areas of responsibility of the Coast Guard are the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This distinction reflects the significant operational and regulatory responsibilities that the Coast Guard undertakes in these critical maritime regions. The Atlantic Ocean encompasses a wide range of activities for the Coast Guard, including search and rescue operations, law enforcement, environmental protection, and maintaining navigational aids for safely guiding maritime traffic.

Similarly, the Pacific Ocean presents its own unique challenges and responsibilities due to the vast stretches of water, diverse maritime traffic, and various environmental concerns. The Coast Guard is tasked with ensuring safety, security, and environmental stewardship across these expansive bodies of water. This geographic division helps the Coast Guard effectively manage resources and respond to incidents, such as maritime emergencies or illegal activities, in a structured manner.

In contrast to the selected answer, the other options—North and South Oceans, East and West Coasts, and Gulf and Caribbean—do not accurately capture the official major areas of responsibility designated for the Coast Guard's operations. By focusing on the Atlantic and Pacific, you can see how the organization is structured to address both hemispheric challenges and maintain a significant presence in the maritime domain.