COMDTINST 5721.1A
on board any ship, station or aircraft shall not provide any such information or assurance.
With the exception of shore units and Coast Guard vessels operating in support of the U.S.
Antarctic Program, the proper response is listed below:
It is general U.S. policy not to deploy nuclear weapons aboard surface ships and
naval aircraft. However, we do not discuss the presence or absence of nuclear
weapons aboard specific ships or aircraft.
c.
The response to inquiries concerning Coast Guard icebreakers deployed in support of the
U.S. Antarctic Program shall be guided by references (b) and (c). The following statement
is authorized:
Upon ratification of The Antarctic Treaty on 23 June 1961, the United States
recognized that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful
purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord; By
ratifying the Treaty the United States and all signatories undertook to "use
Antarctica for peaceful purposes only"; We are aware of our commitments under
that Treaty and are in full compliance with those commitments.
Other provisions of this sectin apply when icebreakers are not deployed in support of the
U.S. Antarctic Program.
d.
The response to inquiries concerning Coast Guard shore units is listed below:
It is the policy of the U.S. government to neither confirm nor deny the presence or
absence of nuclear weapons at any general or specific location.
e.
Personnel responding to inquiries for information covered under this instruction shall
notify Commandant (G-CP) by the most expeditious means available. Such referral does
not constitute violation of this policy.
f.
Requests citing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) shall be handled per reference (c).
5.
ACTION.
a.
Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics commands, unit
commanding officers and Commander, Coast Guard Activities Europe shall ensure widest
possible dissemination of this instruction and make sure that each member is aware of his
or her responsibility to adhere to the policies set forth herein.
/s/ R. A. Appelbaum
Chief, Office of Law Enforcement
and Defense Operations
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