Adm. Russell Waesche was responsible for the expansion of the service and improved the traditional functions of the Coast Guard during his 10 years as commandant. His administration intensified Coast Guard activity in the Great Lakes and added new missions of the Coast Guard including marine safety, icebreaking, and aids-to-navigation. One could say Waesche's tenure as Coast Guard commandant was the most productive and successful in Coast Guard history; one could say he was the second founder of the Coast Guard.