The Official Online News
Source of the Coast Guard
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act, also known as FOIA, was enacted in 1966 and is the primary means by which the public has access to records in the possession of Executive Branch agencies of the Federal Government. The FOIA is operated under the premise that the public has a right to know what the Government is doing, how it is being done, and what information is being collected. However, to prevent individuals, businesses, and government from harm resulting from the release of certain information, the FOIA provides a means by which limited information can be withheld from disclosure.
Transparency and Open Government. Per the direction of White House Memorandum dated 21 January 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to operate our FOIA Program under a presumption of disclosure; however, FOIA exemptions still apply. We are awaiting further guidance from the Attorney General regarding provisions of Executive Order 13392, and will post new information as it becomes available. Current information is available at uscg.mil/foia. Otherwise, FOIA requests may be submitted in writing via mail or overnight carrier to:
Commandant (CG-611)
2100 2nd Street, SW
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Attn: FOIA
