Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class John Wheatman, a maritime enforcement specialist assigned to Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, climbs a Jacob’s ladder to board an oil tanker vessel for a large vessel security boarding off the coast of San Pedro, California, April 8, 2026. Large vessel security boardings are a critical component of the U.S. Coast Guard's mission to ensure the safety and security of our nation's maritime interests and are essential for protecting our ports and waterways from a variety of threats. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Roberto A. Nieves Felix)