part of the Department of Transportation. The Coast Guard enforces federal laws related to smuggling, ship safety, port security, spillage, pollution, and other marine environmental protection issues. The Coast Guard also maintains ships and other vessels, aircraft, and communications facilities for search and rescue mission. In addition, it operates the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut. It maintains a network of aids to navigation; including lighthouses, buoys, icebreakers, and radio devices.