But the Department of Homeland Security was caught off-guard by Ashcroft's dire interpretation of the current intelligence.

CNN: Out of sync on warning?

The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which is overseeing part of that response.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The AFGE represents 12, 000 of the TSA's nearly 40, 000 transportation security officers in many personnel matters, while also overseeing the broader collective bargaining of nearly 40, 000 other government employees at the Department of Homeland Security, including the Coast Guard, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS