MISSION
CG-MER-3 coordinates the development of MER policy and maintains the Marine Environmental Response and Preparedness Manual. CG-MER-3 also Champions the MER strategic plan and standard operating procedures (SOP) and implements the strategic plan via the MER Business Administration and Management (BAAM) process. CG-MER-3 conducts special studies, performance analyses, drafts position papers, briefing, and meeting preparation materials for the MER program to inform Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes. This includes developing and maintaining MER performance metrics and measures to assess program effectiveness and conducting data analysis of MER program to inform policy, capability, and requirement generation processes. Additionally, CG-MER-3 provides the initial policy recommendations for innovative or emerging fields and establishes their place within the Marine Environmental Protection mission of the Coast Guard. CG-MER-3 serves as the Executive Director of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research (ICCOPR), CG Research and Development (RD&C) Program Liaison, CG representative on the National Response Team (NRT) Science and Technology Committee, and serves as the MER liaison to other research and development related bodies and committees. When tasks or initiatives cross over multiple division functions, CG-MER-3 coordinates the office efforts, . CG-MER-3 also manages and oversees the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise (GLCOE) aiming to operationalize innovative ideas that improve freshwater and arctic oil spill response.