OPV Vivaldi (P 440) is the first PPX vessel for the Italian Navy. Fincantieri picture.

Naval News reports the launching of the first of four PPX project Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Italian Navy. The contract for the first three ships was signed in mid 2023 and the first keel was laid 12 December 2024.

As I noted at the time,

Fincantieri is the parent company of the Marinette based shipyard that has been building Freedom class LCS and will be building the US Navy’s new frigates. That shipyard also built USCGC Mackinaw, the 16 Juniper class WLBs, and the 14 Keeper class WLMs.

We know now that Fincantieri has finished with the Freedom class LCSs and will build only two Constellation class frigates.

The new generation will be able to operate both rotary-wing manned and unmanned platforms. (Fincantieri)

We need more new ships, and we need them fast. Looks like with few modifications, we could build these as complements to currently contracted OPCs to give us a true WMEC replacement. They are built as combatants to Naval specifications. They can operate H-60 sized helicopters and UAS. They are designed for pollution response. They have the potential for adding a towed array and possibly AAW missiles. Unlike most cutters these ships have redundant propulsion systems in two separate engine rooms. These could serve as corvettes in wartime.

An earlier Naval News report included more technical information,

“With a full load displacement of about 2,400 t, an overall length of about 95 meters (311.6 feet–Chuck), a maximum beam of 14.2 meters, a construction height of 8.4 meters and a maximum draft of only 5.4 meters to operate from a wide range of harbours. The OPV hull design is characterized by bow area featuring a bulb and a completely covered mooring area, alongside  active stabilizer fins amidships to ensure operational capability in high sea state conditions and rough weather.

“The CODLAD (COmbined Diesel-eLectric And Diesel) propulsion system is configured on two shaft lines, each including an 8 MW (ISO 3046) MTU 16V8000M91L diesel engine and a 500 kW Marelli reversible electric motor, directly connected to a double input/single output gearbox and controllable pitch propellers, while the rudders are of the conventional type. The diesel engines together with the electric ones must ensure a maximum speed exceeding 24 knots, while the electric motors provide… operating speeds up to 10 knots. Maximum range is 3,500 nm at a speed of 14 knots (more at lower speeds, particularly if the electric propulsion is used–Chuck), with a maximum mission endurance of 20 days.

“The electric power generation and distribution plant is based on four Isotta Fraschini V1708C2ME5 diesel gensets of around 680 kWe each divided in two separate electrical stations. The compartment arrangement for the propulsion and power generating equipment guarantees 50% of the propulsion power with damage to a single compartment and 50% of the electrical power with damage to two contiguous compartments.”

The new OPV will incorporate the new Naval Cockpit derived from the PPA solution and developed by Fincantieri and Leonardo. (Fincantieri)

Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security partner agencies interdict multiple suspected smuggling vessels south of San Clemente Island
The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security partner agencies secure a suspected maritime smuggling vessel during coordinated operations south of San Clemente Island, California, Feb. 21, 2026. In total, crews interdicted five vessels and apprehended 62 aliens in under 90 minutes. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)

Below are two news releases. Normally I just post reports of West Coast migrant interdictions in the comments section of a post “West Coast Migrant Interdiction” published on Feb. 2, 2025. For continuity I will post these there too, but this was an unusual day.

CGAS Kodiak

KMXT radio station Kodiak, Alaska reported on Commissioning of USCGC Frederick Mann (WPC-1160) in Kodiak. I had already passed along the news release about the commissioning as a comment on an earlier post.

One of our readers pointed me to the KMXT post because it includes some interesting comments by the District Commander and Senator Dan Sullivan.

“They’re expecting two additional offshore patrol cutters. They’re going to go from five to nine MH 60s, these are the new helicopters,” he explained. “They’ve had almost $150 million in family housing, $40 million for the Child Development Center. $145 million for a new fuel pier. So that’s just Kodiak.”

The funding breakdown for Kodiak, according to Sen. Sullivan’s office, includes: $202 million for OPC and FRC homeports; $147.2 million for family housing, $40 million Child Development Center, $145 million for a new fuel pier; and $5 million to repurpose an aircraft hangar for MH-60 helicopter operations.

Good news on infrastructure improvements.

We knew about the two OPCs planned for Kodiak, though when they will be there is an open question. Presumably the increased number of H-60s is to replace the H-65s that currently operate from cutters.

There are more comments on smaller units as well and reference to the Commandant’s statement that four of the Arctic Security Cutters might be stationed in Alaska.

Some of the 87 footer movements are to cover for decommissioned island class. Presumably the new Waterways Commerce Cutter will replace USCGC Elderberry (WLI-65401).

The Arctic District needs to update their website since it still shows three Island class cutter while they have all been decommissioned. It would be helpful if the list also included the ships designation and hull number.

Thanks to David S. for bringing this to my attention. 

Philippine Coast Guard FPB-110 scale model showcased by OCEA at Philippine Marine 2025. Picture by Aaron Lariosa.

Naval News reports,

The Philippines’ Department of Transportation and the French company signed a contract in May 2025 for 40 units of 35-meter high-speed multi-role vessels worth $438 million (P25.8 billion) in a bid to enhance the PCG’s maritime presence across the archipelago. Twenty of the boats will be constructed locally, while the rest will be built in France.

They expect to add 50 ships over the next five years.

Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) escorts the Panamanian-flagged motor tanker Centuries through the Gulf of America, Dec. 31, 2025. Mohawk escorted the vessel after it was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea by a Coast Guard tactical law enforcement team with Department of War support on Dec. 20; the interception was part of Operation Southern Spear, an interagency effort to counter illicit maritime trade and enforce international sanctions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Below is a District SE press release.

The Legend-class USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) sails with Philippine Navy’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and Philippine Coast Guard Vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) as part of a division tactics exercise in the Sulu Sea, May 20, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd class William Kirk)

Naval News reports,

“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will acquire three Beechcraft King Air aircraft from the United States to enhance its maritime domain awareness and strengthen its search and rescue (SAR) capabilities.”

But what really got my attention was this,

“The PCG… will also become the first foreign coast guard to take part in the US-led Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii later this year.”

The US Coast Guard has of course participated in RIMPAC for as long as I can remember and perhaps from the inception, but this is significant change. In the future we may see the Indian, Japanese, or S. Korean coast guards.

This prompted me to find out when the exercise will be. AI tells me,

“Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.”

A highlight of every RIMPAC is one or more SINKEX. This year I would really like to see some live fire counter-UAS exercises by our cutter(s) and other ships that don’t have an AAW missile suite.

Thought my readers might appreciate some photos from previous RIMPACs. If you want to read comments and press releases about previous RIMPACs, here are what I believe are the most important. Significantly Navy H-60s began operating from National Security Cutters in 2016.

• “Globally deployable Coast Guard units conclude participation in RIMPAC 2024” –Coast Guard News & Why No Missiles On Cutters?
• Why Did USCGC Midgett Embark an ASW Helicopter For RIMPAC 2022?
• Fire on Peruvian Corvette Operating Under CO Midgett’s OPCON
• Navy Helo Operates from Munro, RIMPAC 2020
• RIMPAC 2018
• Coast Guard Year in Review–US Naval Institute Proceedings
• Coast Guard Role in RIMPAC (2014)

The U.S. Coast Guard helicopter tie-down team aboard legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) secures a Mexican navy Panther Helicopter ANX 2161 during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 off the coast of Hawaii, July 14.  (U.S. Coast Guard photo by David Lau)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2022) U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Humberto Alba, a naval aircrewman tactical-helicopter, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, deployed on U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757), looks down at a USCGC crewmember after taking off during flight operations during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Taylor Bacon)

Navy ships assemble to form a multinational fleet for a photo exercise off the coast of Hawaii during the Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on July 26, 2018. More than 45 ships and submarines, including this former Coast Guard cutter participated  in RIMPAC. (MC3 Dylan Kinee/U.S. Navy)

US forces board the vessel Veronica III, in a screengrab obtained from a handout video released on February 15, 2026. © Department of War, via Reuters

France 24 reports,

The United States intercepted a new oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that had fled the blockade ordered by US President Donald Trump against sanctioned ships leaving or heading to Venezuela, the Pentagon announced on Sunday. (Panamanian-flagged Veronica III, 15 February, 2026–Chuck)

Since this happened in the Indian Ocean, the Coast Guard was probably not involved.

The Geoje Shipyard Boasts the World’s Greatest Dock Turnover Rate
The dock turnover rate is the number of ships that a dock can launch ships. The greater the turnover rate indicates the more sophisticated shipbuilding capacity and production efficiency.
In addition, dock turnover rate is the most reliable yardstick for measuring shipyard’s technical capacity and production efficiency. The largest dock at SHI’s Geoje Shipyard, Dock No.3,is 640m long, 97.5m wide, and 13m deep.

The Whitehouse has issued a document entitled “America’s Maritime Action Plan.” You can download it here. Be aware this is a plan, but there has been no implementing legislation. That is expected with the 2027 budget request.

Of course the Coast Guard is all over this document, much of it regarding marine inspection and credentialing including calls for deregulation.

It also calls for recapitalizing public shipyards including the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore. I would hope there would be movement toward providing a Coast Guard Yard in the Pacific, but there was no mention of new public shipyards. It does say,

Invest in digital shipyard infrastructure and upgrade pier utilities and electrical systems to support modern combat  systems and sensitive electronics. Use Shipyard  Infrastructure Optimization Program lessons to inform future investments to expand these shipyards’ ability to take on larger and more complex work.

The Arctic is also featured prominently. There is also a call for support of increase automation.

The Maritime Press has reacted:

• Marine Link: “Trump Administration Unveils Details of Maritime Action Plan”
• Marine Log: “White House releases long-awaited Maritime Action Plan”
• gCaptain: “Trump Unveils White House Maritime Action Plan to Restore U.S. Seapower”

The Marine Link article is a quick overview. The Marine Log article quotes large sections of the plan. gCaptain provides a realistic appreciation of how likely the plan is to succeed.

On questions of national defense, how big a merchant marine do we need? How much can we depend on allies to provide shipping? We definitely need to do something. During the war against Iraq we shipped American weapons on Russian ships.

The stated aim is to “restore America’s maritime dominance” and create a “self-sustaining domestic shipbuilding sector.” Realistically that is not going to happen. Historically the US merchant marine has not done well in peacetime since the Civil War. US shipbuilding hasn’t been price competitive for 150 years. We have been able to quickly generate a large merchant marine in WWI and WWII but in both cases it quickly declined in the post war periods. Simply put, other nations can do it more cheaply. There is no way we can build ships cheaper than China or South Korea without massive subsidies.

Make no mistake. This plan involves subsidies, grants, and tax advantage, but that does not mean at least parts of the plan are not justified. But this plan is very broad and dominance is not a realistic goal so what level of US owned merchant marine is enough? It’s not in there. If we really need more US flag merchant ships do they really have to be built in the US. Imagine the irony of China subsidizing the building of ships for the US that will carry supplies to an embattled Taiwan. There are dozens of friendly nations that want to buy US made weapons that also build ships. We can work a deal. The Coast Guard is getting icebreakers from Finland, so it’s possible.

We want more yards in the US that can repair battle damage, but if we want excess capacity its not possible for them to be profitable so do what we did for over a hundred years and have government owned Navy and Coast Guard yards. It is a form of insurance just like the entire Defense budget. Government owned yards are responsive and don’t require bids and months of legal hassles with the loosing bidders.

Looks like this plan may also include creating sources of funding that would could bypass the Congressional process and would subsidize individuals or organizations selected by the administration. I am not sure that is even constitutional. Certainly it sounds as if it might be subject to abuse.

Establish the Maritime Security Trust Fund

The Maritime Security Trust Fund (MSTF) would provide a dedicated, mandatory funding stream to support programs that strengthen the U.S. maritime industry and Merchant Marine. By capturing certain identified revenues, the MSTF would ensure consistent, long-term investment in America’s shipbuilding capacity, fleet expansion, and maritime workforce. E.O. 14269 directs OMB, in coordination with DOT, to deliver a legislative proposal for a reliable funding mechanism to sustain MAP programs.

Recommended Policy Action

• Establish the MSTF. By securing stable, long-term funding, the MSTF would ensure consistent support for investments in shipbuilding, fleet expansion, industrial base

resilience, and maritime workforce development. Authorized expenditures would include programs identified as helpful for the promotion, growth, and strengthening of the domestic maritime sector. (p. 22/23)

This would not only include a tax on imports through maritime ports but also a tax on imports over the Mexican and Canadian borders,

“Impose a Land Port Maintenance Tax to balance payments from importations across land ports versus maritime ports;” (p. 15)

“Enforce the payment of fees at our borders and prevent the circumvention of certain charges by importing through land borders as opposed to maritime ports;” (p. 33)

For a history of Government programs to maintain an American Merchant Marine check out, “The Maritime Administration’s First 100 Years: 1916 – 2016.”

There is an alternate view here.

Two suspected drug smuggling vessels burn following an interdiction by Coast Guard Cutter Seneca’s crew and their embarked helicopter air crew in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 31, 2026. Following the patrol, Seneca’s crew offloaded approximately 17, 750 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades, Florida. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Cutter Seneca’s crew)

Below is a Coast Guard news release.

This seems more evidence that if you want to interdict drugs, the Eastern Pacific is the place to be and second this is another incident where we have seen drug smuggling vessels operating in groups.