“United States, Australia, Pacific Island partners complete Operation Irensia 2026 in Guam” –Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

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Partners from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, and Australian Maritime Security Advisers under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, conduct underway boarding training during Operation Irensia 2026 on June 5, 2026, completing a 13-day multilateral maritime security exercise and law enforcement training program that brought together patrol boat crews from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Apra Harbor, Guam. (Photo courtesy Royal Australian Navy)

Below is a news release from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.

Australia deserves a lot of credit for their long term commitment to Pacific Island nations in that they provided the patrol boats being used by these three Compact of Free Association nations as well as nine other Pacific Island nations. This is actually the second class of Patrol Boats provided by Australia.
It might be a good idea to extend this training to some of the other recipients of Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boats.

June 14, 2026

United States, Australia, Pacific Island partners complete Operation Irensia 2026 in Guam

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia

SANTA RITA, Guam — Partners from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, and Australian Maritime Security Advisers under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, concluded Operation Irensia 2026 June 7, completing a 13-day multilateral maritime security exercise and law enforcement training program that brought together patrol boat crews from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands at Apra Harbor.

“Operation Irensia reflects what genuine partnership looks like in the Pacific. The crews who trained alongside us this week returned home with sharper skills and stronger relationships with their counterparts across the region. That is a direct investment in the security of Pacific waters — led jointly by Pacific maritime forces,” said Capt. Jessica Worst, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.

Four Pacific Island patrol boat crews participated in the second annual operation:

  • The Maritime Wing aboard FSS Bethwel Henry and FSS Tosiwo Nakayama from FSM,
  • The Division of Marine Law aboard PSS President H.I. Remeliik II from Palau,
  • The Sea Patrol aboard RMIS Jelmae from the Marshall Islands.

Across 13 days of shoreside instruction and underway exercises, crews advanced their maritime law enforcement capability, practiced counter-narcotics boarding procedures, competed in damage control events, and conducted formation operations in Guam’s coastal waters.

The operation’s law enforcement college formed the core of the curriculum, taking crews through pre-patrol planning, intelligence and maritime domain awareness, vessel identification, boarding procedures, evidence documentation, and case package preparation. Crews practiced drug testing and narcotics identification, trained on the various bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement frameworks, and completed mock counterdrug boardings at sea in Apra Harbor. Training rotated across ship pairs to maximize repetitions and ensure every crew completed the full sequence.

The damage control olympics, held at Victor Wharf, tested crew readiness in a competitive format. All four partner vessels and U.S. Coast Guard members competed through five timed events before a formal awards ceremony — a format designed to build the muscle memory and crew cohesion that emergency response demands at sea.

“Operations such as Irensia, conducted with the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the United States Coast Guard, demonstrate our shared commitment to detecting illicit activity at sea. We are proud to partner with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen regional maritime law enforcement cooperation across Micronesia through the Pacific Maritime Security Program” said Ms. Lisa Chadderton, Assistant Secretary of Australian Defence’s Pacific Maritime Branch.

The operation is named for the Chamorro word for heritage — a deliberate framing that situates the exercise within the shared maritime identity of Pacific Island peoples. Drug trafficking, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and maritime domain awareness gaps across Micronesia’s vast ocean spaces are threats that no single nation addresses effectively alone. Operation Irensia builds the interoperability, shared procedures, and personal relationships between crews that make coordinated responses possible.

The 2026 operation marks the second consecutive iteration for the exercise, which launched in June 2024 with 72 personnel from five nations. The 2026 iteration expanded to include more than 120 personnel from five nations, and the law enforcement curriculum was significantly expanded, adding the framework module, structured counterdrug boarding sequences, and rotational practical exercises that gave every participating crew underway experience.

“Every time we come together, these crews arrive better than the last time,” said Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin, U.S. Coast Guard maritime advisor. “That’s not accidental; it’s the compounding effect of sustained partnership. What we built this week doesn’t stay in Apra Harbor. It goes home with every crew and shows up in their patrols, their boardings, their responses, and our future shared operations. That’s the whole point.”

Operation Irensia is conducted with the support of the Australian Pacific Maritime Security Program and in alignment with U.S. commitments under the Compacts of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The operation is expected to continue biannually, with plans to deepen the law enforcement curriculum, introduce more enforcement training, expand the use of underway exercises in future iterations, and build on the ongoing year-round Operation Rematau.

-USCG-

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam is responsible for Coast Guard operations across a 2.6-million-square-nautical-mile area of responsibility encompassing Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

About the Australian Pacific Maritime Security Program The Australian Pacific Maritime Security Program supports Pacific island nations in building their maritime security capability through patrol boat provision, through-life sustainment, maritime surveillance, and training and advisory support. The program also enhances regional security through integrated aerial surveillance and improved regional coordination, reflecting the Australian Government’s long term commitment to maritime security in the Pacific.

Canada’s “Vigilance Continental Defence Corvette,” a Sort of OPC Evolved

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Let’s take another look at this program. It, like the OPC, is a VARD design. VARD also designed the Canadian Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), six completed for the Canadian Navy and two building for the Canadian CG. VARD is a Fincantieri company. Fincantieri also owns four shipyards in the US including Marinette Marine that built the 14 Keeper class WLMs, 16 Juniper class WLBs, USCGC Mackinaw, the Navy Freedom class LCS, and now the Constellation class frigates and Landing Ship Mediums.

It has been less than two months since we talked about this ship, but the video above shows that the concept has changed significantly compared to the video that accompanied that earlier post.

  • There is still no hangar large enough for a helicopter, but the flight deck is considerably larger.
  • The fantail deck that once hosted 40 foot containers now looks smaller but still large enough for 20 foot containers.
  • The idea of building two versions, one lightly armed and a second more heavily armed seems to have been abandoned.
  • SeaRAM has been deleted and 16 US standard Mk41 VLS are now standard.
  • Eight surface to surface Naval Strike Missiles are now standard.
  • A hull mounted sonar is now standard.
  • Two 30mm remote weapon stations have been added
  • The primary radar is now a multifunction 4D AESA

It is now very different from the original proposal, having grown from 75 to 107.7 meters.

Clearly there has been a movement in the concept from a small lightly equipped Offshore Patrol Vessel with emphasis on containerized/palletized capability to a full spectrum warship with at least some capability in anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and counter-unmanned systems. These must be seen as not only a replacement for the twelve 970 ton Kingston class “Coastal Defense Vessels” but also a a possible replacement for at least some of the now 30 to 34 year old Halifax class frigates. See the earlier post for a discussion of possible fleet mix.

So, how does this ship compare with the OPC?

Length is about 7 feet less than that of the OPC (107.7m vs 110). Beam is about one foot less (15.6m vs 16). Draft is about two feet less (4.5m vs 5.2). Displacement is not listed but based on the dimensions, probably about 3700 tons vs 4500, so probably 15 to 20% smaller.

Max speed is reportedly 26+ knots vs 22.5 for the OPC.

This ship is ice strengthened while the OPC is apparently not, though that was included in the original OPC solicitation.

Helicopter facilities are much better on the OPC. This seems to be a major weakness of the current design both for peacetime Coast Guard type missions and for wartime missions. Given how much the design has already changed, I would not be surprised to see a hangar added. There is one on the VARD 7-100 design which seems to be the basis of the design.

On the other hand, UAS can provide ISR and many WMECs deploy without an embarked  helicopter. Frequently we see WMEC270s with accommodations for immigrants erected on the flight deck. Certainly a ship like this would be a great improvement over a WME210 and in most respects a significant improvement over a 270.

“U.S. Coast Guard advances Arctic security with Kodiak and Seward homeports” –News Release

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From SixtyDegreesNorth

Below is a CG HQ news release.

Which of the two classes of Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) will be based in Alaska has not been made clear. Both classes are expected to be completed concurrently. The Davie/Helsinki design is more powerful, has greater endurance, and looks more like a pure icebreaker/research vessel, while the Bollinger/RMC version looks more multi-purpose, providing perhaps buoy tending and logistics support. They both should be able to do fisheries enforcement in the Arctic and perhaps in Antarctic waters.

When they are not breaking ice, doing scientific research, or shadowing Chinese icebreakers, will these ships replace buoy tenders? Will they take over Alaska Patrols, freeing National Security Cutters for more patrols in the Eastern Pacific Drug transit zones or in the Western Pacific?

There is also some possibility that ASCs may go South to Antarctica. If that happens, it would probably be better if the more powerful Davie/Helsinki version went South.

It also seems these ships should be armed like an OPC. If that is not possible, they should at least be armed like the Polar Security Cutter which will have two 30mm Mk38 Mod4s.

Certainly more large ships will be welcome in Pacific Area.

June 11, 2026

U.S. Coast Guard advances Arctic security with Kodiak and Seward homeports

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced it would homeport its first two Arctic Security Cutters in Kodiak, Alaska with a third Alaska Arctic Security Cutter homeported in Seward when the infrastructure is ready. This follows April’s announcement that the Service would homeport its first two Arctic Security Cutters in Alaska. With the first delivery expected in 2028, the Coast Guard is accelerating preparations to ensure each location is ready to support sustained Arctic operations including advancing critical infrastructure and housing required to support the trained and ready crews who will bring these cutters to life.  

“America’s future in the Arctic demands strength, capability and resolve,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “I want to thank President Trump for his bold leadership and vision in directing this critical investment and Alaska’s congressional delegation for championing the funding that made these icebreakers possible. These cutters will deliver the enduring operational capability our Nation needs to defend our sovereignty, deter adversaries, and safeguard vital resources for the American people.”

Selecting these homeports marks a major step in expanding U.S. Arctic capabilities and strengthening the Nation’s icebreaker fleet. Supported by $3.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 Reconciliation funding and international collaboration, including a landmark agreement with Finland, the Arctic Security Cutter program represents the most significant U.S. investment in icebreaker technology in decades – revitalizing American shipbuilding and reinforcing the industrial base essential to national defense.

“Homeporting Arctic Security Cutters in Kodiak and Seward will strategically position these state-of-the-art icebreakers to reinforce America’s maritime dominance in the Arctic,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard. “This positioning is critical to national security, enabling the Coast Guard to defend our northern border and meet evolving threats with speed and strength.”

Arctic Security Cutters will anchor a modernized icebreaker fleet built for the most demanding conditions, ensuring the United States is equipped to defend its interests and meet emerging challenging in the Arctic for decades to come.

“Coast Guard, Saildrone team up in northern waters to boost border security, surveillance” –Breaking Defense

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A Saildrone Voyager is pictured on Lake Erie, as part of a new deployment with the Coast Guard. in the Great Lakes and North Atlantic. (Saildrone) You can see the radar and what is probably an electro-optic sensor all powered by solar cells and batteries.

Breaking Defense reports,

The Coast Guard is deploying more than a dozen Saildrone Voyagerunmanned surface vessels (USVs) to the Great Lakes and the North Atlantic region in an effort to bolster maritime domain awareness.

The Voyager is equipped to conduct persistent coastal surveillance and nearshore mapping missions while remaining at sea for roughly 100 days at a time, according to the unmanned maritime systems manufacturer. In the Great Lakes, the unmanned vessels will support border security operations through monitoring and flagging suspicious activity, while in the North Atlantic,the vessels will assist Coast Guard efforts countering illegal fishing.

While these are floating assets their role is surveillance so they are more a supplement to our fixed wing aircraft than a replacement for ships. They are particularly appropriate for maintaining persistent surveillance of a relatively small area of interest.

GULF OF AQABA (Feb. 13, 2022) The U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class cutter USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144) sails near a U.S sail drone explorer during the International Maritime Exercise/Cutlass Express (IMX) 2022, Feb. 13, 2022. IMX/CE 2022 is the largest multinational training event in the Middle East, involving more than 60 nations and international organizations committed to enhancing partnerships and interoperability to strengthen maritime security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. DeAndre Dawkins)

It appears the Coast Guard has benefited from working with both 5th Fleet and 4th Fleet, as they have pioneered use of USVs in addition to the Coast Guard’s independent development.

Thanks to jmoskalik who passed along this report in a comment on previous post. I thought it was important enough to justify separate post.

“Ketchikan-based Coast Guard cutters sail for Mexico border” –Ketchikan Daily News/Juneau Independent

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The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco (WPC 1122), a fast response cutter, patrols the waters near Unalaska, Alaska, while providing a security escort for the USS Kentucky, an Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine, August 24, 2017. The Bailey Barco, homeported in Ketchikan, Alaska, is the first Coast Guard fast response cutter to transit the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ens. Brandon Newman

The Ketchikan Daily News republished by the Juneau Independent reports that,

“The Coast Guard cutters John McCormick and Bailey Barco ‘are currently completing short-duration deployments to the United States’ southern border,’ Travis Magee, a spokesperson for the U.S.Coast Guard Arctic District, said Thursday in an email to the Ketchikan Daily News.  

“’These operations are part of the Coast Guard’s commitment to secure the U.S. maritime border and its approaches,’ Magee said.”

I have long felt PACAREA has not received their fair share of resources. This unusual move seems to support that contention, but was this really the best way address a shortfall–if there was one?

About 85% of the US EEZ is in Pacific Area, but they have only nine large patrol cutters (6 NSCs and 3 WMECs) while Atlantic are has four NSCs and 19 WMECs for a total of 23 large patrol cutters. Currently Pacific Area has only 19 FRCs while Atlantic Area districts have 36. (Six additional FRCs are assigned to PATFORSWA.) District SE has more FRCs than all of Pacific Area combined.

I have been posting reports of West Coast migrant interdictions since February 2025 adding them as comments to an earlier report, and it seems that while there has been a surge, it has been local, concentrated around San Diego. The local Coast Guard units have been quite successful in interdicting alien smugglers.

USCGC John McCormick (WPC 1121) did interdict 36 suspected aliens approximately 22 miles offshore of San Diego.

It is not clear from the report how long WPC 1121 was away from homeport.

I found no indication that Bailey Barco made any interdictions, but she just got to San Diego June 7 after an 8 or 9 day transit.

There is no way these deployments will not have affected District Arctic operations.

Thanks to David for bringing this to my attention.

“Coast Guard starts missionization of 19th C-130J long range surveillance aircraft” –CG-9

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CGNR 2019 departs the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Marietta, Georgia, on April 14, 2026, for the Coast Guard Aviation Projects Acquisition Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where warranty and logistics flights were conducted before the aircraft’s induction into the missionization process. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

Below is an Acquisitions Directorate (CG-9) release.

June 5,2026

The Coast Guard inducted its 19th C-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft into the missionization process at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas, on June 3. Following completion of the yearlong integration of the specialized equipment needed for Coast Guard missions, this aircraft will support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, from C-27J to HC-130J operations.

Three Coast Guard air stations currently operate HC-130Js: Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbers Point, Hawaii. The Coast Guard received $1.142 billion in fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation funding for the procurement and acquisition of fixed wing aircraft, including HC-130Js. This landmark investment in the Coast Guard will enable the long range surveillance fleet to expand HC-130J operations to two additional air stations, starting with Air Station Sacramento later this year.

The service took delivery of the aircraft, designated as CGNR 2019, from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia, on April 10. This is the first C-130J aircraft delivered to the Coast Guard in which a Block 8.1 upgrade – which provides additional capabilities including enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics and civil GPS – was installed during baseline production at Lockheed Martin. The aircraft was delivered ahead of its scheduled contract delivery date and within cost parameters.

The Coast Guard Aviation Projects Acquisition Center (APAC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, has been conducting warranty and logistics flights with the aircraft in the interim. Missionization integrates a Minotaur Mission System Suite into the aircraft, along with specific sensors and communication systems where are necessary to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that enable the Coast Guard to save lives; control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches; facilitate commerce; and respond to crises or contingencies. L3Harris executes the integration process, working with the APAC Fleet Integration Team to ensure the aircraft is fully prepared for its diverse operational roles. The aircraft is expected to join the Coast Guard fleet as a fully operational HC-130J in mid-2027.

The Coast Guard’s HC-130J fleet is a proven asset that continues to play an important role in the Coast Guard’s mission to deliver value to the nation. These aircraft provide critical heavy air transport and can serve as an on-scene command and control platform or as a surveillance platform with the means to detect, classify and identify objects and share that information with operational forces. Once airborne, it has a cruise speed of 320 knots, a range of 4,900 nautical miles and an endurance of 20+ hours.

Including funds from fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation, the Coast Guard has received appropriations for a total of 25 HC-130J aircraft, one HC-130J simulator, initial spare parts inventory and site activation for the two additional air stations. This aircraft was not funded by reconciliation but is essential for HC-130J expansion efforts

“Philippines Progresses Japanese Destroyer Transfer Talks, Receives American Cutter at Shangri-La” –USNI

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The United States Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) sail in formation as seen from BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) during the recent Maritime Cooperative Activity (Credit: Armed Forces of Philippines)

US Naval Institute News reports,

The Philippines is set to receive transfers of American and Japanese vessels to bolster its Coast Guard and Navy fleets operating in the South China Sea.

American and Japanese defense officials pledged to reinforce Manila’s fleet with recently and soon-to-be decommissioned vessels over the weekend following talks on the sidelines of the International Institute of Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore held Friday to Sunday.

Specifically the post states that the Philippine Coast Guard will be receiving a WMEC210, presumably one of those already decommissioned or in commission special at the Coast Guard Yard.

The Philippine Coast Guard has been growing rapidly. It is actually larger than the Philippine Navy in terms of personnel and much the equipment is relatively new with more on the way..

The Philippine CG is now about 70% the size of the US Coast Guard. The Philippine EEZ is about 20% the size of that of the US, but they face constant challenges from China’s Coast Guard, maritime militia, and fishing fleet. They still have relatively few large cutters. I am sure one or more WMEC210s would be welcome, and because they relatively simple ships, they should be relatively easy to maintain in spite of their advanced age.

A final note, the Philippine Coast Guard is procuring 30 mm guns in remote weapons stations to arm their soon to be seven 97 meter Japanese built cutters.

 

“Battleship Texas participated in the Davie Defense – Gulf Copper groundbreaking for the Coast Guard icebreaker production facility coming to Galveston, Texas.”

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https://www.facebook.com/reel/1548584973716116

Today, Battleship Texas participated in the Davie Defense – Gulf Copper groundbreaking for the Coast Guard icebreaker production facility coming to Galveston, Texas. The ceremony concluded with a blast from the historic ship’s whistle and blank firing of the massive 14″ guns.

Really it is Coast Guard related. I had to post it.

“Coast Guard takes delivery of four response boat-small demonstration boats” –CG-9

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The Coast Guard has started activities to eventually replace the response boat-small II, the current workhorse of the Coast Guard’s boat fleet, here patrolling coastal waters. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios.

Below is a release from the Acquisitions Directorate, CG-9.

June 1, 2026 —

The Coast Guard on April 28 accepted delivery of four demonstration boats that will be used to generate operator feedback that will help inform the requirements and specifications for the next generation of response boats-small (RB-S).

Delivered to Coast Guard Base Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina, the four boats will be operated by multiple Coast Guard crews to identify features or equipment that enhance mission performance. The boats will be used to develop and validate performance requirements, assess industry capabilities and gather information about the marketplace. The Coast Guard will then transition to developing the requirements for the third-generation RB-S. The upcoming RB-S III program will replace the approximately 350 RB-S II vessels in operation across the Coast Guard.

Following the Jan. 8, 2026, contract award, each of four contractors delivered one demonstrator boat, ranging in length from approximately 29 to 37 feet. Each of the boats is powered by twin outboard engines producing up to 600 horsepower.

The contractors are:

  • Birdon America Inc. of Denver, Colorado.
  • Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC of Jeanerette, Louisiana, doing business as Metal Shark Boats.
  • Inventech Marine Solutions LLC of Bremerton, Washington.
  • SAFE Boats International of Bremerton, Washington.

The RB-S II is the workhorse of the Coast Guard’s boat fleet and the second generation of this platform. This fleet patrols coastal waters and is approaching the end of its service life. Coast Guard boats support a wide range of crucial missions, including drug and alien interdiction; living marine resources; defense readiness; search and rescue; other law enforcement; aids to navigation; and ports, waterways and coastal security.

For more information: Boat Acquisition Program

“Coast Guard, Eastern Shipbuilding Negotiating ‘Contract Resolution’ on First 2 Offshore Patrol Cutters” –USNI

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Eastern Shipbuilding, Argus and Chase building. June 2021.

US Naval Institute reports, “Coast Guard, Eastern Shipbuilding Negotiating ‘Contract Resolution’ on First 2 Offshore Patrol Cutters.”

The post includes the following statement,

According to Coast Guard budget documents, Argus and Chase are set to deliver this year, though its unclear how complete the cutters are.

I will go out on a limb and state there is not a chance in hell of Argus and Chase being delivered this year. I have been told that Argus was actually launched prematurely (October 2023) to quiet questions about progress on the program. I don’t believe Argus has ever gotten underway.  There have been no reports of it conducting sea trials. Apparently Chase has not even been launched yet.

Eastern did spend some money to improve their facilities in 2024, but providing 1,000 linear feet of additional bulkhead and berthing space and lengthening the launch facility from 380 to 500 feet, did not seem to be aimed at speeding up OPC construction.

This was in contrast to what we have seen from Austal. From Austal’s website 2024,

“Through continual capital investments, over $500 million to date, Austal USA has expanded its capability and capacity to enable concurrent production of aluminum and steel ships. The company recently broke ground on a new assembly building which will provide 192,000 square feet of new covered manufacturing space.  The building will consist of three bays, two of which will be sized specifically to erect the OPC.”

Eastern did not assemble their OPCs in a building.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group was contracted to build the first four offshore patrol cutters. The first ship, Argus, was expected to be delivered by the end of 2022. (Eastern Shipbuilding Group photo)

“The ongoing talks come as Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has put a hold on all Coast Guard promotions over questions on shipbuilding contracting and lack of information from the service, Scott’s office confirmed to USNI News late last week. In a statement, Scott said the hold was the result of 18 months of unanswered questions over the status of Coast Guard contracting that includes the status of Argus and Chase.”

Despite Scott’s statement, “I don’t care what that resolution looks like, we just need a resolution.” To me that sounds an awful like putting a thumb on the scales of any negotiations between Eastern and the Coast Guard, putting pressure on the Coast Guard to meet Eastern’s demands.

To put things in perspective, this is the sequence of events: