The Coast Guard is currently undertaking a major effort to update its command structure, support systems, and bus. practices. This effort, the modernization program, is intended to better position the service to fulfill its missions -- ensuring the safety and security of commercial shipping, safeguarding U.S. fisheries, interdicting the smuggling of illicit drugs, conducting search and rescue operations, and homeland security responsibilities. This program includes the establishment of 4 new organizational entities. This report answers these questions: (1) What is the genesis for the Coast Guard's modernization program? (2) To what extent has the Coast Guard conducted efforts to monitor the progress of its modernization program and evaluate the results? Illustrations.