The Coast Guard's New Captain.

The article presents an interview with U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen. Allen attributed the Coast Guard's high marks in the post-Katrina hurricane assessments to the principles of autonomy and accountability that pervade within the agency. He believes that the operational tactics of the Coast Guard is due to their practice of delegating a mission or responsibility to the field commanders. He explains the emergency response plans of the agency should another hurricane hit the state.