Congressman Riley M. Moore Applauds U.S. Coast Guard for Establishing Special Missions Command in West Virginia

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Riley M. Moore applauded the United States Coast Guard's announcement of a new Special Missions Command (SMC) that will be headquartered at the Coast Guard's C5I Service Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia. The command will unify the Coast Guard's deployable specialized forces under a single operational structure to better counter maritime threats at home and abroad.

The Special Missions Command, expected to be commissioned in October 2026, will enhance coordination, readiness, and operational effectiveness across a range of elite units tasked with responding to terrorism, transnational crime, natural disasters, and other looming national security threats.

The SMC will oversee several specialized units, including Maritime Security Response Teams, Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, Maritime Safety and Security Teams, Port Security Units, Regional Dive Lockers, and the National Strike Force. These forces are essential to safeguarding U.S. ports, waterways, and maritime interests while supporting joint military and law enforcement operations worldwide.

Congressman Moore emphasized the importance of continued investment in national security infrastructure and praised the Coast Guard's commitment to adapting to an increasingly complex global threat environment.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

"The Coast Guard's decision to establish the Special Missions Command is a major step forward in strengthening our nation's maritime security and ensuring we are prepared to meet evolving threats across the globe. I'm especially proud that West Virginia will play a central role in this mission. The hardworking men and women at the Kearneysville facility are critical to supporting our national defense, and this investment further solidifies the Eastern Panhandle as a key hub for cutting-edge operations that protect the American people."

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