We've done it in intelligence sharing and certain elements of security. There were parts of the department, in fact, that worked very well in Katrina, like the Coast Guard and TSA.

The quote by Michael Chertoff reflects on the efforts made in intelligence sharing and security during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Chertoff, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security at the time, acknowledges that while the disaster response had its challenges, certain elements of the department performed admirably. Specifically, he highlights the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as agencies that worked effectively during the crisis. The message here is that despite some shortcomings, there were areas of success in the coordinated response to the hurricane.

Chertoff’s comment focuses on intelligence sharing and security coordination, which were crucial during the emergency response. He implies that some parts of the system—such as those responsible for safety and logistics—functioned well and were instrumental in responding to the crisis. The Coast Guard, in particular, was recognized for its swift and effective rescue operations, while the TSA played a role in ensuring security measures during the aftermath of the disaster.

The quote also highlights the complexity of disaster response and the interagency collaboration needed to address such an event. Chertoff points out that while there were inefficiencies in other parts of the response, it was important to acknowledge the strengths within the department. This not only gives credit where it’s due but also emphasizes the importance of effective teamwork in situations that require immediate and coordinated action.

Ultimately, Chertoff’s statement serves as both a recognition of the challenges faced during Hurricane Katrina and an affirmation of the successes achieved by certain agencies. It reinforces the idea that while disaster response is often imperfect, collaboration and a focus on strengths can lead to meaningful outcomes in crisis management.