Chuck Hill's CG Blog

Chuck Hill's CG Blog

Yearly Archives: 2023

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James returns from Eastern Pacific patrol after interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine, 7,107 pounds of marijuana” –CG News

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Below is a Coast Guard News release. The Mexican “Panther” Helicopter mentioned in the release is closely related to the Coast Guard’s MH-65. A sister ship of the Offshore Patrol Vessel they exercised with is pictured below.

Mexican Navy Oaxaca class patrol vessel, ARM Oaxaca, sister ship of ARM Chiapas, the Mexican Navy OPV that USCGC James exercised with. Mexican Navy photo.

Nov. 7, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James returns from Eastern Pacific patrol after interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine, 7,107 pounds of marijuana

Charleston, S.C. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) returned home to Charleston, Saturday, following a 113-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, James worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct counter-drug operations.

During the patrol, James’ crew disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine and 7,107 pounds of marijuana valued at over $380 million. While in theater, James interdicted eight drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended 23 suspected traffickers, including one low-profile vessel laden with contraband. The efforts by the crew of the James directly contributed to U.S. Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations and enhance regional stability and security.

James’ crew conducted multiple joint operations with foreign partner nations such as Ecuador and Mexico. James conducted a passing exercise with the Mexican navy’s ARM Chiapas. During the exercise, James practiced close quarters tactical maneuvering and landed the Chiapas’ Panther helicopter on deck. This exercise with the Mexican navy was particularly important to promote interoperability and enhance ongoing and focused partnership efforts.

While in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, James interdicted an Ecuadorian go-fast vessel laden with illicit narcotics. James executed a complex at-sea rendezvous with Isla Darwin (ECU) and transferred three suspected narcotics traffickers and 73 bales (1,742 kilograms) of cocaine. The evolution enhanced cooperation with Ecuadorian partners and supported the home-country prosecution of international crimes.

James is a 418-foot National Security Cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, and defense readiness in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations. The National Security Cutters fall under the command of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity.

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

-USCG-

“Royal Marines snipers shoot out engines to bring drug-runners’ boat to a halt” –Forces.Net

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HMS Dauntless has a Wildcat helicopter and Royal Marines sniper team from 42 Commando who provide reconnaissance, surveillance, and aerial support (Picture: Royal Navy).

Looks like the Royal Navy now has their own “Airborne Use of Force” Team to do the same sorts of things the Coast Guard has been doing.

Forces.Net reports,

A Royal Marines sniper team has brought a Caribbean drug-runners’ power boat to a “juddering halt” after shooting out its engines.

US Coast Guard personnel, working alongside the sailors and marines on board Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dauntless, were then able to seize £60m worth of cocaine, which the smugglers had been attempting to throw overboard.

Read on in the linked report. HMS Dauntless has been doing good work in cooperation with a US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. HMS Dauntless is the second of six Type 45 Guided Missile Destroyers, roughly the Royal Navy counterpart of the Burke class DDGs and almost twice as large as the National Security Cutters.

HMS Dauntless (foreground) and HMS Daring. Photo: LA(Phot) Ian Simpson/MOD

Thanks to David for bring this to my attention.

“FarSounder joins Seabed 2030 in Mapping the World’s Oceans” –FarSounder News Release

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Below is a news release from FarSounder. Sure, it’s a PR piece, but this is an interesting and potentially important project. For decades, Coast Guard cutters passed their depth sounding to the Hydrographic service. We have talked about FarSounder products before.

November 7, 2023
Warwick, RI USA

FarSounder joins Seabed 2030 in Mapping the World’s Oceans

FarSounder is partnering with The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project to work together to advance the collective understanding of the ocean floor in pursuit of the complete map of the entire seabed.

This partnership coincides with FarSounder’s recent Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This award is providing funding for the research and development of a new project that will develop a cloud-based service to shareFarSounder/NSSL Global survey data collected by FarSounder customers.

The project – Enabling Expanded Crowdsourced Bathymetry Contributions With High-Quality Metadata via Commercially Sustainable Incentives to Contributors – will allow for data sharing with others across the FarSounder customer fleet and with Seabed 2030 via the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB), which archives over 30 terabytes of oceanic depth soundings and serves as the long-term archive for Seabed 2030.

Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), which seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. The Project is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint programme of the IHO and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.

“Our commitment to contributing high-resolution data to the IHO’s DCDB aligns seamlessly with Seabed 2030’s mission of achieving a complete map of the entire ocean floor,” commented FarSounder CEO Matthew Zimmerman. “By streamlining the transfer of data from customers to the DCDB we hope to encourage broader participation, inviting more individuals to actively contribute to bridging the gaps in our understanding of the ocean.”

“It’s a pleasure to welcome FarSounder on board as an official partner,” said Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips. “FarSounder plays a central role in championing crowdsourced bathymetry – which is essential to Seabed 2030. We look forward to working together, and look forward to following the company’s journey as it embarks upon its exciting new project.”

All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.

About FarSounder

At FarSounder, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the exploration of the world’s oceans and waterways. We do this by developing innovative products that do more than just help vessels get safely from point A to point B. We make a difference by being environmentally conscious by creating products that reduce the impact on the ecosystem.

For over 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to tackling new ideas and developing 3D Forward Looking Navigation Sonar technology (3D FLS). Our unique patented technology paints a clear picture of what lies ahead underwater and along the bottom, reducing the likelihood of collisions, which in turn prevents costly damage to property, the environment, and marine and human lives alike.

Our navigation systems are globally recognized. The Argos 1000, Argos 500, and Argos 350 are able to provide customers with a whole suite of sophisticated navigation capabilities of interest to many types of vessels. Wherever you decide to go, FarSounder will help get you there safely.

For more information, visit http://www.farsounder.com

About The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO. The Seabed 2030 Project, launched at the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2017 by Chairman Sasakawa of The Nippon Foundation, coordinates and oversees the sourcing and compilation of bathymetric data from different parts of the world’s ocean through its five centres into the freely-available GEBCO Grid. Four Regional Centres cover the Southern Ocean, the Arctic and North Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and the South and West Pacific Ocean. These feed data products into the Global Data Centre. The IHO Data Center for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB) serves as the
long-term archive for Seabed 2030.
Find out more about the project and how to get involved.

For more detailed information on The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, please visit our website, seabed2030.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @Seabed2030, or contact enquiries@seabed2030.org.

For media inquiries, contact:
Pegah Souri
pegah.souri@shearwater.global
+44 (0)7951 581707

Media Contact:

Cassie Stetkiewicz
Director of Operations
Cassie.stetkiewicz@farsounder.com
+1 401 784 6700 6002

“Coast Guard removes protesters from RRF ship Cape Orlando” –Marine Log

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Marine Log reports Friday morning, November 3, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco dispatched boats and boarding teams to Oakland Harbor to remove protesters who had breached fencing and were attempting to interfere with the operation of the MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF) RO/RO ship Cape Orlando.

MV Cape Orlando at the former NAS Alameda in December 2018. Photo credit: Pi.1415926535

“Coast Guard hosts Pacific Quadrilateral Coordinating Group on Oahu” –CG News

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Below is a news release from Coast Guard News. Looks like Western Pacific fisheries is finally getting the attention it has deserved. The “Pacific Quad” mentioned here (Australia, France, New Zealand, and the US) should not be confused with “The Quad” (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) which is an informal military association.

I am still hoping to see my “Combined Maritime Security Task Force, Pacific” formed.

Territory of France and its Exclusive Economic Zone. (Antarctic territorial claims in lighter tone). Credit B1mbo via Wikipedia.

If you are wondering why France is in this group, take a look at their Exclusive Economic Zone, above.

Nov. 3, 2023

Coast Guard hosts Pacific Quadrilateral Coordinating Group on Oahu

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard recently hosted the Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordinating Group from Oct. 9 to 11, 2023, focusing on enhancing maritime security in the Pacific.

The meeting gathered leaders from Australia, France, New Zealand, the United States, and the Forum Fisheries Agency. Rear Adm. Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 commander, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, particularly in the context of regional challenges such as climate change and security.

“These face-to-face meetings and continued cooperation among our nations are not just strategic imperatives; they are lifelines to the people of the Blue Pacific,” said Day.

He further highlighted the impact of this collaboration, emphasizing the human element and recognizing the responsibilities of the larger nations in the Pacific, “We acknowledge the historical context, and while we do not seek to rewrite the past, we are committed to a future where the sovereignty and livelihoods of Pacific Island Countries are safeguarded. Climate change, followed by regional tensions, looms large as challenges we all face, and our shared responsibility is to address these threats. Our commitment to combating illegal fishing and ensuring maritime safety is not just about security; it’s about ensuring a sustainable and secure future for the communities who call the Pacific home.”

The Pacific QUAD was established in 1998, and brings together defense and security agencies from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States in a mutual commitment to partnering with the Pacific Island countries to collectively enhance regional security.

During the meeting, discussions covered various topics, including their annual report, training programs, tactical calendar, information sharing and support for the Forum Fisheries Agency operations. Additionally, three new principals joined the group. Brig. Gen. Yann Latil (France), Air Comm. John Haly (Australia), and Brig. Gen. Andy Shaw (Aotearoa New Zealand).

The Pacific QUAD’s mission is to combat illegal fishing in the Southwest Pacific and collaborate closely with Pacific Island nations. The group operates at both a strategic and operational level, with annual and biannual meetings, respectively.

This year, examples of their collaboration included: an agreement with New Zealand, joint gatherings and strengthening cooperation with Australian Maritime Security Advisors, a successful search and rescue operation, and an international mass rescue exercise, highlighting the positive impact of their efforts on regional stability and maritime safety.

The Pacific QUAD, consisting of New Zealand, the United States, France, and Australia, annually rotates its principal chairmanship position as part of its collaborative approach. Last year, Air Commodore Darryn Robert Webb of New Zealand handed over the role to Rear Adm. Michael Day, who has now passed it to Brig. Gen. Yann Latil, the commander of French Forces New Caledonia. Latil is expected to transfer the responsibility to Air Commodore John Haly, the Australian Joint Operations Command, Director General Operations and Plans (J3), next year. This rotation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Pacific QUAD nations to regional stability and cooperation.

“After a very successful meeting in Honolulu this year, I am happy to take over the American coordination of the Pacific Quad’s work and I look forward to hosting my fellow principals and their teams in Noumea next year,” said Brig. Gen. Yann Latil, the commander of French Forces New Caledonia.

U.S. Coast Guard District 14, covering a vast area in the Central and Western Pacific, plays a crucial role in maritime safety, resource protection, security and national defense through partnerships and international engagement.

“Exercise Digital Talon Advances Unmanned Lethality at Sea” –U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

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Below is a US Naval Forces Central Command news release that included the video above.

While the Unmanned Surface Vessel was identified as a MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV, the weapon was not identified. I think we can be pretty the “Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System” was the AeroVironment Switchblade 300 launched from their Multipack Launcher (MPL).

The Drive has a more extensive report, “Switchblade Kamikaze Drone-Armed Uncrewed Fast Boat Tested.”

I have suggested this weapon would be almost ideal for the Coast Guard, should they need to stop a terrorist attack using a small, fast, highly maneuverable boat.

As a counter such an attack, this weapon is far better than a 7.62mm or .50 caliber machine gun. 

  • It has a range of up to 20km so it could engage a target far earlier than a machine gun and from outside the effective range of hostile small arms fire.
  • With a sprint speed of 100 mph (87 knots) it can cover the 2200 yards nominal effective range of the .50 caliber in about 45 seconds.
  • It has demonstrated a high probability of a first round hit on target.
  • It has a man in the loop function so it can be aborted if necessary.
  • There is little danger of collateral damage compared to firing multiple bursts from a crew served machine gun mounted on a bouncing highspeed boat.

MANAMA, Bahrain –November 02, 2023

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) is advancing lethality and the combat capabilities of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) during live weapons firing exercises in the international waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, Oct. 23.

The firing exercises were conducted as part of Exercise Digital Talon and constituted the first use of lethal munitions from USVs in the Middle East region.

During the exercise, NAVCENT’s Task Force 59, the Navy’s first Unmanned and Artificial Intelligence Task Force, demonstrated the ability of unmanned platforms to pair with traditionally crewed ships in “manned-unmanned teaming” to identify and target simulated hostile forces at sea. The hostile forces were represented through the use of a target boat. Then, using live munitions launched from another unmanned platform, NAVCENT forces engaged and destroyed the targets.

During multiple firing events, a MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV, equipped with a Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System, successfully scored direct hits each time. A human operator ashore at Task Force 59’s Robotics Operations Center made the engagement decisions.

Digital Talon was coordinated with and supported by Commander, Special Operations Forces Central Command.

This exercise is the second time in as many months the U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated advanced unmanned capabilities in the region, according to Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, NAVCENT commander. In September, unmanned underwater surface and aerial vehicles were able to track Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are focused on the operational application of new, cutting-edge unmanned systems and artificial intelligence technologies. Last month, we integrated 12 different unmanned platforms with manned ships for ‘manned-unmanned teaming’ operations to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula,” he said. “During Digital Talon, we took a significant step forward and advanced our capability to the ‘next level’ beyond just maritime domain awareness, which has been a traditional focus with Task Force 59. We have proven these unmanned platforms can enhance fleet lethality. In doing so, we are strengthening regional maritime security and enhancing deterrence against malign activity.”

Looking ahead, Cooper said, he expects to see the progress expand in scale and impact, including future exercises expanding the arsenal of combat-capable unmanned systems.

“I’m excited about the direction we’re headed,” he said.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball returns home following 85-day Bering Sea patrol” –CG News

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Below is a news release from Coast Guard News. Looks like Kimball had an unusual Alaska Patrol, responding to the wildfire on Maui, to terminating an unsafe voyage, to shadowing a Russian naval exercise.

 Nov. 2, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball returns home following 85-day Bering Sea patrol

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) returned home to Honolulu, Wednesday, after an 85-day multi-mission patrol covering 14,000 nautical miles spanning from the Hawaiian Islands to north of the Arctic Circle.

The crew provided search-and-rescue coverage and conducted living marine resources (LMR) and counter Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing operations during the patrol following their actions responding to the Maui wildfires.

Kimball departed August 8 for the Aleutian Island chain and later that evening, the cutter received a report of people in the water attempting to escape a raging wildfire on Maui. The cutter shifted to the tactical control of Sector Honolulu and altered course to support the mass search and rescue efforts. Arriving on scene within hours, Kimball assumed the role of On Scene Commander of Coast Guard Station Maui, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126), and Air Station Barbers Point MH-65s, who collectively searched 790 square nautical miles, saved 17 lives, and assisted approximately 40 survivors ashore. During Kimball’s three days on scene, their crew launched two cutter small boats for over 25 combined hours and deployed the cutter’s UAS drone for over 8 hours of flight time, conducting search and rescue and damage assessment support.

After being relieved by Juniper, Kimball’s crew transited north to support the Coast Guard’s 17th District by providing search-and-rescue coverage and conducting LMR and counter IUU-Fishing patrols spanning the Northern Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, and the American Arctic.

Operating under Operation Alaskan Groundfish Enforcer, Kimball ensured compliance with all federal fisheries conservation laws and safety requirements by completing 10 LMR boardings on fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. Kimball issued eight citations and one termination for gross violation of U.S. and international regulations. This resulted in the Kimball escorting the fishing vessel back to the nearest port and ensured they corrected their discrepancies.

As the sole U.S. military asset in the Bering Sea, Kimball diverted to provide presence alongside the U.S. domestic fishing fleet in the remote region of the U.S. Arctic upon receiving intelligence of a Russian military exercise within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Kimball’s presence ensured the safety of 23 mariners while they worked within the U.S. EEZ near Russian warships as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Kimball’s crew,” said Capt. Bob Kinsey, Kimball’s commanding officer. “They were able to showcase the true value that the national security cutter brings to such a dynamic area of responsibility. The crew’s diversity of skill harnessed our Coast Guard authorities and capabilities to provide tangible lifesaving results, from responding to the tragic fires in Maui to providing an influential presence in the Chukchi Sea and American Arctic to preserving the livelihoods of our Bering Sea fishermen through the enforcement of federal safety and living marine resources laws.”

To ensure crew preparation and proficiency, Kimball conducted numerous flight operations with MH-65 Dolphin and HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and aircrews from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, resulting in the qualification of eight pilots and recertification of Kimball’s crew.

While in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Kimball’s crew engaged with the local community by participating in sports at the community center, conducted cutter tours, and volunteered for community events. Notably, Kimball assisted the Museum of the Aleutians in relocating fragile gray whale fossils for a new exhibit. Kimball also met with the mayor of Dutch Harbor to discuss how the Coast Guard and the town can continue strengthening their relationship.

Commissioned in 2019, Kimball is the Coast Guard’s seventh national security cutter. National security cutters are the largest and most technologically sophisticated cutters in the Coast Guard’s white-hull fleet. National security cutters can operate in the most demanding open ocean environments, including the Bering Sea’s hazardous fisheries and the Southern Pacific’s vast approaches, where much of the American narcotics trafficking occurs. With robust command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, stern boat launch and aviation facilities, as well as long-endurance station keeping, National security cutters are an afloat operational-level headquarters for complex law enforcement and national security missions involving multiple Coast Guard and partner agency participation.

-USCG-

“First Details Of Hamas’ New Submarine Drone Weapon” –Naval News

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Click to enlarge. Hamas has revealed a new torpedo-like weapon which it claims has been used against Israel.

Naval News reports on a new naval weapon reportedly used by Hamas against Israel. It is a type of weapon that might be used in a terrorist attack on a port, so perhaps the Coast Guard should be interested. It is not particularly sophisticated, but as we have seen in Ukraine, unsophisticated weapons can work in some circumstances.

I will take a wag (wild ass guess) at its size and weight. Looks about six feet long and about twelve inches in diameter. The way it is being carried, I would say it is probably less than 300 pounds, probably closer to 200. That makes it about half the weight of a light weight ASW torpedo like the Mk46 which weighs 508 pounds and has 96.8 lb (43.9 kg) warhead. This probably means the weapon is buoyant while torpedoes are typically negatively buoyant. The proportion of the weapon’s weight devoted to warhead may be more than the case of the Mk46, so warhead weight might be more than 50 pounds, but almost certainly less than 100 pounds. That is far less powerful than typical WWII torpedoes, but even 50 pounds exploded against the hull would probably mission kill or sink any small vessel. The Mk27 torpedo, a small passive acoustic homing torpedo with a 95 pound warhead, used by US submarines against Japanese escort vessels in the latter part of WWII, scored 33 hits and 24 of those resulted in a sinking.

“Media Availability: USA’s largest icebreaker to visit Charleston following Arctic deployment, interviews available” –CG News

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I am just passing along this news release from Coast Guard News. Charleston has become a major base for Coast Guard cutters with five NSCs to be based there. The first of the new icebreakers will go to Seattle, but there are clear indications that the Coast Guard also hopes to have icebreakers based on the Atlantic side. This visit might also serve as a preliminary look at Charleston as the future base for Coast Guard icebreakers. They may also be getting some minor maintenance done.

Nov. 1, 2023

Media Availability: USA’s largest icebreaker to visit Charleston following Arctic deployment, interviews available

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy is scheduled to participate in a media availability Friday during the ship’s port call in Charleston.

The Healy conducted an Arctic deployment to provide U.S. surface presence, high-latitude research in support of international cooperation, and engagements with Arctic partner nations. During the deployment, Healy conducted joint operations in the Barents Sea with the Norwegian Coast Guard, as well as joint operations with Danish and Icelandic sea services while operating in the North Atlantic. The cutter also hosted a science roundtable with researchers from the U.S., Norway, and other nations.

WHO: Capt. Michele Schallip, commanding officer of Healy

WHAT: Healy’s commanding officer will be available to speak with media members regarding the unit’s current deployment, scientific efforts, and international engagements.

WHERE: 2 Charlotte St., Charleston, SC 29403, Berth One

WHEN: Friday, 9 a.m., Nov. 3, 2023.

Editor’s Note: Media are asked to RSVP by 5 p.m., Thursday, with the Coast Guard’s Public Affairs Detachment Jacksonville at 786-393-4138 or by emailing D7PADETNorth@gmail.com. Interested media are requested to arrive by 8:30 a.m., Friday, with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance to be processed through port security.

Homeported in Seattle, Washington, Healy is the Coast Guard’s only icebreaker designed specifically to support research and is the nation’s sole surface presence routinely operating in the Arctic Ocean. The platform is ideally specialized for scientific missions, providing access to the most remote reaches of the Arctic Ocean, areas barricaded by pack ice and unreachable by most research vessels. Since its commissioning in 1999, Healy has served as one of two active polar icebreakers and is the largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker in the Coast Guard. Healy accommodates a crew of 84 with a primary mission of scientific support. As a Coast Guard cutter, Healy is also a capable platform for supporting other missions in the polar regions, including logistics, search and rescue, ship escort, environmental protection, and enforcement of laws and treaties.

Media Kit resources:
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy webpage and Unit Facebook page
Links:
DVIDS B-roll for deployment coverage:  DVIDS – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy departs Tromsø, Norway
News Room for press releases:  USCG News
Follow PACAREA on Facebook:  @uscgpacificarea
Follow PACAREA on X (formerly Twitter):  @USCGPACAREA
Follow PACAREA on Instagram:  @uscgpacarea
Follow LANTAREA on Facebook: @USCoastGuardAtlanticArea
Follow LANTAREA on X (formerly Twitter): @USCGLANTAREA
Follow LANTAREA on Instagram: @uscglantarea

-USCG-

“Coast Guard adjusts operations plan to mitigate 2024 workforce shortage” –MyCG

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USCGC Steadfast is the next WMEC to be decommissioned. The 55 year old cutter is homported in Astoria, Ore.

The Coast Guard is acting decisively to deal with the current personnel shortage. I have reproduced the announcement below. The result will significantly affect the cutter fleet. Three 210s will be placed in layup pending decommissioning and seven 87 foot WPBs will be placed in layup pending reactivation.

The choice to decommission Steadfast rather than another 210 may have been influenced by the fact that the first two OPCs are to be homeport on the West Coast (San Pedro) and two Webber class cutters (WPC-1156 and 1157) are expected to be based in Astoria. Both WPCs will probably arrive in the next six to eight months.

Not surprisingly cutters are being decommissioned before their replacements come on line. This situation is likely to get worse before the last OPC is delivered (planned for 2038).

Of the sixteen 210 foot Reliance class cutters, three are no longer in Coast Guard service. USCGC Decisive was decommissioned on 2 March 2023. USCGC Courageous was donated to Sri Lanka in 2004, and USCGC Durable was decommissioned in 2001 and commissioned into the Colombian Navy in 2003.

Oct. 31, 2023

Coast Guard adjusts operations plan to mitigate 2024 workforce shortage

By AJ Pulkkinen, MyCG writer

Coast Guard mission demands are growing while our Service faces a significant workforce shortage. The Coast Guard is short nearly 10% of the entire enlisted workforce and cannot continue to operate as we have historically with fewer people.

To mitigate the workforce challenge risk in a deliberative and strategic fashion, the Vice Commandant, Adm. Steven Poulin, has provided specific temporary operational guidance to adapt our operations while prioritizing lifesaving missions, national security and protection of the marine transportation system.

There will be no loss of search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. However, we will temporarily adjust operations to prioritize our lifesaving missions, national security and protection of the Marine transportation System.

The Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) today e-mailed the workforce to outline the service’s mitigation strategy.

“The Coast Guard cannot maintain the same level of operations with our current shortfall – we cannot do the same with less. Conducting our missions is often inherently dangerous, and doing so without enough crew puts our members and the American public at increased risk,” wrote Adm. Linda Fagan and MCPOCG Heath Jones.

What does this mean for you? 

The Commandant has given Assignment Officers unprecedented flexibility this assignment season to work with members impacted by these force alignment changes.

Enlisted Personnel Management (EPM) and Officer Personnel Management (OPM) staff will start visiting the impacted units this week. They’ll answer questions and address members’ individual concerns. Some visits will be in person, others virtual.

“We understand the extra stress and anxiety these unforeseen changes create for our members and their families,” said Rear Adm. Rusty Dash, Commander of Personnel Service Center. “EPM and OPM will directly engage with each affected command to discuss individual situations and concerns.”

EPM’s priority is to assign affected members to the same geographic area (if possible and if that is what the member desires) while keeping their original tour completion dates. If that’s not possible, EPM will increase the member’s assignment priority and reassign the member based on their desire and service needs.

OPM will offer officers one-on-one counseling prior to eResume submission. OPM will work to tailor assignments to best meet officers’ professional and personal needs.

With your CAC, you can access the AY 2024 Force Alignment Initiative SharePoint site for full details.

Detailed Changes 

As cutter crews are not scalable, the only way to reduce the workforce of the cutter fleet is to reduce the number of operating cutters.

Previously planned cutter decommissionings will continue, including the Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast.

Some cutters will be placed in a special status awaiting either decommissioning or future reactivation. In some cases, the crews will do a hull swap to layup the cutter with the largest pending maintenance requirement.

  • Three 210′ Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC) will be placed in layup, pending decommissioning.
  • ​Seven 87′ Patrol Boats (WPB) will be placed in layup, pending reactivation.
  • Five 65′ Harbor Tugs (WYTL) will temporarily not be continuously manned but will be kept in a ready status in case icebreaking is needed.
  • Two 154′ Patrol Crafts (WPC) will commence uncrewed Recurring Depot Availability Program (RDAP) at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland. The next 154′ Patrol Craft (WPC) scheduled for RDAP will deliver the hull to the Coast Guard Yard and swap hulls with a cutter that has completed drydock.

Shoreside changes are also necessary. There are 44 stations and 36 aids to navigation teams (ANTs) that currently have more billets than their staffing standards allow in the activity-based staffing model (ABSM). The stations will be reduced to their staffing standards and the ANTs to one billet below their staffing standards. Other shoreside changes include, but are not limited to:

  • Crews at all 23 seasonal station smalls will transfer to their parent command.
  • The six non-response units (boat forces units without SAR responsibilities) will suspend operations and their crews will be reassigned in assignment year (AY) 2024.
  • The identified 19 stations whose SAR response capabilities are redundant will be deemed Scheduled Mission Units. Three of these 19 stations will be ports, waterways and coastal security (PWCS) level one-Scheduled Mission Units.

Mission support units will also be part of the solution.

  • In AY 2023, the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS) identified positions to go unfilled with minimum disruption in providing customer service. In AY 2024, EPM will continue to not assign members to vacancies identified in AY 2023 at bases and training centers.
  • DCMS and EPM will identify additional positions to be left vacant for AY 2024.

What’s Next? 

These risk-based adjustments for AY 2024 will mitigate our shortage, but we will still have some gapped positions. More mitigation efforts may be needed as we continue to evaluate Service readiness. This strategic approach to temporarily adjust operations will best position the Coast Guard for future operational capabilities.

And the future is coming quickly. The first offshore patrol cutter, CGC Argus (WMSM-915) was launched just last week.

“The ‘Trackline to 10,000,’ to have ten thousand members assigned to afloat units, is still the goal for our future fleet and we will get there,” said Capt. John Driscoll, the Chief of the Office of Cutter Forces. “We need to adjust our operating capacity now so we can prepare for the future. We will gradually grow fleet capacity back through continued construction of ships with the latest technology and the best crew habitability. Our cutter fleet is in demand globally, and I can see our cuttermen continuing to explore new locations as our ship operations are dedicated to the highest priority missions.”

The Coast Guard has always answered the call when faced with incredible challenges. We will take this challenge head-on and use it as an opportunity to prepare for the future.

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