210524-G-N0146-0073 ARABIAN GULF (May 24, 2021) – Patrol boat USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) and fast response cutter USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) transit the Arabian Gulf en route to Bahrain, May 24. Robert Goldman and USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) are the newest additions to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), which is comprised of six 110′ cutters, the Maritime Engagement Team, shore side support personnel, and is the Coast Guard’s largest unit outside of the U.S. playing a key role in supporting Navy security cooperation, maritime security, and maritime infrastructure protection operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Logan Kaczmarek)
The October issue of US Naval Institute Proceedings has a “Nobody asked me, but…” commentary from Commander Kevin Duffy, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired), about making the Coast Guard’s international engagement more effective and more agile. Among the comments is an explanation of why we have not seen the PATFORSWA model replicated in other areas.
He recommends the Coast Guard:
- Change its culture and messaging around international missions and engagement.
- Grow overseas training teams and unchain them from DoD processes and funding.
- Formalize and improve personnel policies related to overseas assignments, offices, and career paths.
Check out the post for more detail.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
I think Diplomacy should be a USCG skillset that the DoD should be tapping. Just think by the presence of the USCG worldwide, we can meditate disputes and even build small countries’ navies to the standard of the USCG. In fact, the USCG is the Gold Standard against which other small Navies and Coast Guards are judged. It’s why the USCG should capitalize on soft power and diplomacy operations
“Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), which is comprised of six 110′ cutters…” Either that caption is out of date, or the Webber-Class Fast Response Cutters have shrunk!
The photo was from May 2021. The FRCs had just begun to arrive.