What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Coast Guard?

The primary purpose of the U.S. Coast Guard centers around safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and environment. This broad responsibility encompasses various missions such as law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, and national defense. Protecting maritime interests includes ensuring the safety of navigation, securing ports, and defending against threats to the nation's waters.

While conducting search and rescue operations is a vital function of the Coast Guard, it is part of the larger mission of protecting maritime interests. Similarly, enforcing laws and regulations on water is an essential duty but again falls under the broader mandate of safeguarding U.S. interests at sea. The Coast Guard's role during wartime is significant, but it is one aspect of their overall mission and not their primary purpose. Overall, the answer highlights the comprehensive nature of the Coast Guard's responsibilities in maintaining safety and security in maritime environments.