The US Coast Guard has introduced a novel asset to its maritime operations along the southern border: jet skis. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to fortify border security, leverages funding from the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill Act to equip personnel with these agile watercraft for patrol duties.
Funding and Deployment Details
In a video shared on Instagram in February, the Coast Guard confirmed the deployment of 'Coasties' on jet skis, emphasizing their role in controlling, securing, and defending the border. The caption highlighted that these are advanced models, crucial for maritime approaches, developed through the Coast Guard's Office of Rapid Response and Prototyping (CG-RAPTOR) and supported by historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Political Context and Criticisms
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has faced criticism from Democrats, who argue it diverts funds from healthcare to support the White House's mass deportation agenda. Despite this, the Coast Guard's Commandant, Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, noted that even with significant federal cash infusions, higher annual funding is still necessary to address readiness issues, as reported by the Military Times.
This deployment aligns with Force Design 2028, a plan initiated under former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to expand, upgrade, and streamline the Coast Guard. Noem, who left her position on March 5th and was replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, described the Coast Guard as weakened by decades of underinvestment and neglect, calling for a stronger force to protect the homeland.
Strategic Goals and Historical Use
Force Design 2028, which remains in effect due to its alignment with President Donald Trump's executive order on "Restoring America's Fighting Force," focuses on increasing maritime surveillance and integrating AI for tasks like enforcing tariffs, preventing smuggling, and conducting search and rescue missions. While jet skis are not explicitly mentioned in the blueprint, they represent a practical tool for these objectives.
This is not the Coast Guard's first experience with jet skis; they were initially spotted in use during 2024 training exercises off the San Diego Coast by the Rescue Swimmer Stan Team and Guard Auxiliaries. The association with the Trump Administration extends beyond this, as FBI Director Kash Patel has faced allegations of prioritizing jet skiing and leisure activities over official duties, though he denies these claims.
Recruitment and Future Implications
With approximately 40,500 service members as of July 2025, it is uncertain whether the addition of jet skis will serve as an effective recruitment tool. However, their deployment underscores a shift towards innovative, agile methods in border security, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize the Coast Guard amidst broader political and funding debates.
