NEW YORK — The Coast Guard, along with multiple partner agencies, are positioned to support maritime security operations for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City Tuesday through Monday.
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly brings representatives from nearly 200 nations to the UN campus on New York’s East River. Months of planning go into the preparation for this unique event where representatives come together and work on a wide array of international issues.
“As world leaders assemble for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Coast Guard Sector New York is working in lockstep with our federal, state, and local partners to deliver seamless waterside security,” said Capt. Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York and Captain of the Port of New York and New Jersey. “Safeguarding this critical National Special Security Event demands precision and layered coordination. Together with partners such as the US Secret Service, NYPD Harbor, FDNY, and regional law enforcement agencies, our priority remains clear: ensure the absolute safety of visiting delegations while keeping the Port of New York and New Jersey resilient, secure, and open for vital commerce.”
The Coast Guard’s primary role during the assembly will be focused on port security and maintaining waterside security through the enforcement of waterside security zones.
Supporting Coast Guard units include Sector New York, cutters Katherine Walker, William Chadwick, Penobscot Bay, and Bonito, boat stations New York, Sandy Hook and Kings Point, Air Stations Cape Cod and Atlantic City, various Maritime Safety and Security Teams, and Maritime Security Response Team East.
Partner agencies include U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of State, NYPD, FDNY, NY Department of Environmental Conservation, and the New York Naval Militia.
East River security zones are scheduled to begin Sept. 22nd and end Sept. 28th. The security zones encompass all waters of the East River between East 36th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge. Exact closure periods will be broadcast daily by Coast Guard Sector New York and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) New York. For additional information, it is recommended that mariners reference the Coast Guard United Nations General Assembly 81: Security Zones Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 26-010.