Which military branch is responsible for law enforcement, maritime safety, and environmental protection on water?

The Coast Guard is the military branch specifically tasked with law enforcement, maritime safety, and environmental protection on water. This dual role encompasses a variety of missions, including search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety of navigation, responding to environmental disasters, and enforcing maritime law. The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and can be transferred to the Navy during wartime, reinforcing its unique position in both military and civilian contexts.

In contrast, while the Navy primarily focuses on naval warfare and maintaining the security of the seas, it does not handle law enforcement or environmental protection in the same capacity as the Coast Guard. The Army operates primarily on land and does not engage in maritime law enforcement or safety tasks, and the Air Force is focused on air and space operations, making neither of these branches responsible for maritime safety or environmental protection. Thus, the distinct responsibilities and operational focus of the Coast Guard cement its role in these critical areas.