Yearly Archives: 2023

“USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Oct. 30, 2023” / “U.S. Naval Forces in Middle East Interdict $29 Million in Illegal Drugs”

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Total Battle Force Deployed Underway
291
(USS 232, USNS 59)		 107
(USS 74, USNS 33)		 85
(57 Deployed, 28 Local)

The US Naval Institute’s news service’s latest Fleet and Marine Tracker only mentions two Coast Guard Units, The USCGC Healy and Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). They are respectively reported in the Western Atlantic and the Persian Gulf. Healy is pictured stopped in Reykjavík, Iceland on Oct. 24, 2023. From there, looks like she headed SW. No info on where she will stop next. They do have a photo from a drug bust by PATFORSWA cutter Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) on Oct. 12 that I have not seen reported elsewhere. I have included the news release I found as a result below.

The usual data indicating how many Navy units are operating under the various Fleet Commanders was not included, so we don’t know how many Navy ships are operating under 4th fleet.

It does look like the Navy is busier than usual with five carrier strike groups underway including four deployed, two in the Med and two in the Pacific.

U.S. Naval Forces in Middle East Interdict $29 Million in Illegal Drugs

13 October 2022

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – A U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter seized an estimated $29 million worth of illicit narcotics from a fishing vessel while patrolling the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 12, two weeks after another sizable interdiction.

USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) confiscated 2,980 kilograms of opium and 400 kilograms of methamphetamines as the fishing vessel transited international waters. The Coast Guard cutter was operating in support of Combined Task Force 150, which oversees maritime security operations for Combined Maritime Forces in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden.

“A success like this is a team effort. I am proud of each and every member of our crew,” said Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Hills, Charles Moulthrope’s commanding officer. “We remain committed to countering the flow of illegal contraband and promoting security and stability across the region.”

Hills’ crew previously interdicted another fishing vessel Sept. 27 while patrolling the Gulf of Oman, which led to the seizure of $85 million worth of illegal drugs.

Charles Moulthrope arrived in the Middle East in May and operates from the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain where U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces are headquartered.

“Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress, Updated Oct 19, 2023” –CRS

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US Capital West Side, by Martin Falbisoner

The Congressional Research Service has again updated their “Report to Congress on Coast Guard Cutter Procurement”. (This link will always take you to the most recent edition of the report.) My last post on this evolving document was in reference to a August 30, 2022 update. I have reproduced the one-page summary in full below. It gives a good picture of where we are.

I will try to provide a little more detail after I get a chance to read the full report. Until then, remember that the full price of the ships includes much more than just the shipyard’s building costs. In addition to government furnished equipment, it includes the crew cost before the ship is accepted, their accommodations at the building site, and their training and travel. It may also include supporting shoreside infrastructure.

Summary
The Coast Guard’s program of record (POR), which dates to 2004, calls for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 65 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) as replacements for 90 aging Coast Guard high-endurance cutters, medium-endurance cutters, and patrol craft.

National Security Cutters are the Coast Guard’s largest and most capable general-purpose cutters; they are replacing the Coast Guard’s 12 Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters. NSCs have an estimated average procurement cost of about $670 million per ship. Congress has fully funded the procurement of 11 NSCs—three more than the 8 in the Coast Guard’s POR—including the 10th and 11th in FY2018, which (like the 9th NSC) were not requested by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2024 budget requests $17.1 million in procurement funding for the NSC program for post-delivery activities for the 10th and 11th NSCs, and for class wide activities. Nine NSCs have entered service; the Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 10th on October 13, 2023, and plans to commission it into service in 2024. The 11th is under construction.

Offshore Patrol Cutters are intended to replace the Coast Guard’s 29 aged medium-endurance cutters. Coast Guard officials describe the OPC program and the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program (which is covered in another CRS report) as the service’s highest acquisition priorities. The first four OPCs are being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) of Panama City, FL. The Coast Guard held a full and open competition for a new contract to build the next 11 OPCs (numbers 5 through 15). On June 30, 2022, the Coast Guard announced that it had awarded a fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract to Austal USA of Mobile, AL, to produce up to 11 offshore patrol cutters (OPCs). The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2024 budget requests $579.0
million in procurement funding for the construction of the sixth OPC, the procurement of Long Lead Time Materials (LLTM) for the seventh OPC, and other program costs.

One oversight issue for Congress concerns substantial cost growth and schedule delays in the OPC program. A June 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the OPC program states “The OPC’s total acquisition cost estimate increased from $12.5 billion to $17.6 billion between 2012 and 2022. The program attributes the 40 percent increase to many factors, including restructuring the stage 1 contract [for OPCs 1 through 4] and recompeting the stage 2 requirement [for OPCs 5 through 15] in response to a disruption caused by Hurricane Michael, and increased infrastructure costs for homeports and facilities, among other things. In addition, the program incurred a 1.5-year delay in the delivery of the first four OPCs due to Hurricane Michael and issues related to manufacturing the cutter’s propulsion system. GAO also found indicators that the shipbuilder’s significant level of complex, uncompleted work may lead to further delays.”

Fast Response Cutters are considerably smaller and less expensive than OPCs; they are replacing the Coast Guard’s 49 aging Island-class patrol boats. The Coast Guard’s FY2020 budget submission estimated the total acquisition cost of the 58 cutters intended for domestic use at $3.748 billion, or an average of about $65 million per cutter. A total of 65 FRCs have been procured through FY2023. As of August 10, 2023, 53 FRCs have been commissioned into service. The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2024 budget requests $20.0 million in procurement funding for the FRC program; this request does not include funding for procuring any additional FRCs. The Coast Guard’s FY2024 Unfunded Priorities List (UPL) includes, as one of its items, an unfunded priority for procuring four more FRCs (which would be the 66th through 69th in the program) for a combined procurement cost of $400.0 million, or an average of $100 million per
cutter, to provide increased Coast Guard presence and engagement with allied and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region

“The Christening and Launch of U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter ARGUS” –Video

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Above we have a video of the christening and launch of the future USCGC Argus. Below my comments is Eastern’s news release.

The video is just over an hour. Preliminaries are over at about minute 10.

  • 17:30 Remarks by RAdm. Chad Jacoby, CG-9
  • 23:00 Admiral Fagan, Commandant
  • 31:45 Sponsor, Capt. Beverly Kelley, USCG (ret.)
  • 40:00 Christening
  • 56:00 Launch

Between the christening and the launch there is some explanation of the launch process.

It is a very large cutter and a good looking ship, but she is still months from delivery. Just to review how we got this far.

As to the follow-on ships:

EASTERN SHIPBUILDING GROUP CHRISTENS AND LAUNCHES U.S. COAST GUARD’s FIRST HERITAGE CLASS OFFSHORE PATROL CUTTER

PANAMA CITY, FL – Today, Eastern Shipbuilding Group christened and launched USCGC ARGUS (WMSM-915), the U.S. Coast Guard’s first Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC). The ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson St. Shipyard in front of more than 3000 dignitaries and guests. Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, delivered the keynote address.

Ship Sponsor, Captain (Ret.) Beverly Kelley, had the honor of Christening the vessel. In her distinguished military career, Captain (Ret.) Kelley was the first woman to command a U.S. military vessel as the Commanding Officer of the 95-foot patrol boat, USCGC CAPE NEWAGEN and was the first woman to command both a medium endurance cutter and a high endurance cutter in USCGC NORTHLAND and USCGC BOUTWELL respectively.

“We are proud to christen this first of class national security asset in front of her crew today,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “With each milestone we reach, our employees are constructing the most advanced and capable ship the U.S. Coast Guard has ever seen.”

“The Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) is one of the Service’s highest acquisition priorities and is absolutely vital to recapitalizing the capability provided by our legacy fleet of 210-foot and 270- foot Medium Endurance Cutters (MEC),” said Adm. Linda Fagan.

“We have overcome unprecedented challenges to arrive at this pivotal moment to witness this spectacular vessel enter the water for the very first time. People are only just beginning to see what this vessel is truly capable of and like the steel forged on her, we will not compromise,” said Joey.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s truly a monumental occasion in enhancing our national security as Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Nelson Shipyard officially christens and launches the U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter ARGUS (WMSM-915). Over the past few decades the need for our Coast Guard as grown globally with operations spanning the Artic, Antarctic, Middle East and Indo-Pacific, all while it continues to protect our valuable United States shoreline. This first-in-its-class vessel is a testament to the great coordination between Eastern Shipbuilding and the Coast Guard that now gives the service a much needed upgrade with the tools and capabilities needed for the great women and men of the Coast Guard to take the service even further in the future. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, I am fighting every day to support the continued success of Florida businesses and our Coast Guard as they work to ensure to safety and wellbeing of Americans across the nation.”

“The story of Offshore Patrol Cutter Argus is one of perseverance. Eastern Shipbuilding started working on Argus prior to Hurricane Michael. In the days that followed the storm, the Eastern Shipbuilding team returned to their yard ready to do their part,” said Congressman Dunn. “Despite the challenges of recovering from a catastrophic hurricane, this team stuck together to see this project through. This offshore patrol cutter means so much more than many realize. Argus is a reminder of not only how proud Eastern Shipbuilding and Florida’s Second Congressional District should be of their hard work and determination, but it is also a crucial asset to maintaining national security dominance.”

Over 1500 highly skilled craft employees and program professionals at Eastern Shipbuilding Group and 200 businesses from over 25 states are supporting the production of the first four Offshore Patrol Cutters in Panama City. The OPC is designed to conduct an array of missions including law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other homeland security and defense operations in support of the nation’s maritime security and border protection. The OPC design includes the capability of carrying an MH-60R or MH-65 helicopter and three operational over-the-horizon small boats.  The vessel is also equipped with a highly sophisticated Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) suite that will greatly enhance the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission capabilities.

The first OPC is named for the Revenue Cutter Argus, which was one of the first 10 ships assigned to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, a predecessor service to the U.S. Coast Guard. Revenue Cutter Argus began 13 years of service to the newly formed United States of America in 1791.

PATFORSWA has sophisticated gun sight on .50 cal.

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I ran across the photo above on the PATFORSWA Facebook page. (The photo was posted in Oct. 2022.) For some time, I have been advocating for improvements over our existing crew served .50 caliber mounts, if not outright replacement, then at least better protection and greater accuracy. When I saw this photo, I was pleased to see this more sophisticated gun sight. I believe this is the sight I did a 2017 post about. The post was in reference to a report from Defense News. There is a night vision version of this sight.

I don’t have any knowledge about the extent of the use of this sight. It may have been a one-of-a-kind evaluation, but I found it encouraging. It is perhaps, something to look for. Would not hurt if these became standard on all cutters.

Late addition:

Screen grab. Flexrotor launching from USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145). Also note the sight on the M2 .50 caliber machine gun mounts.

 

“Coast Guard Cutter Munro returns home following 118-day, 23,000-mile Western Pacific patrol” –CG News

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USCGC Munro returns to Alameda after Western Pacific deployment in support of the Seventh Fleet. USCG photo. 

Below is a Coast Guard News release. Notably this is the third National Security Cutter WestPac deployment this year. It provides a good summary of the cutter’s activities and touches on some interesting things happening in the Western Pacific including the Information Fusion Center in Singapore and the growing cooperation with the Japanese and S. Korean Coast Guards.

The link above includes lots more photos but I think the ones above and immediately below give a good view of the revised boat handling arrangement on the stern.

USCGC Munro, October 2023. USCG photo.

The photos below are from earlier reports linked in the news release.

Royal Navy vessel HMS Spey (P234) (foreground) conducts coordinated ship maneuvers with U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) Sept. 17, 2023, in the South China Sea. Munro is deployed to the Indo-Pacific to advance relationships with ally and partner nations to build a more stable, free, open and resilient region with unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime commons. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Brett Cote)

(From left) U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755), Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Pattani (511), and Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Klongyai (522) steam in formation during an at-sea engagement Sept. 1, 2023, in the South China Sea. Munro is deployed to the Indo-Pacific to advance relationships with ally and partner nations to build a more stable, free, open and resilient region with unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime commons. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Brett Cote)

Oct. 18, 2023

Coast Guard Cutter Munro returns home following 118-day, 23,000-mile Western Pacific patrol

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) returned to their Alameda homeport Wednesday following a 23,000-mile, multi-month Western Pacific patrol operating in support of U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet by conducting multiple engagements with partner nations promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Munro departed Alameda in June and was the Coast Guard’s third national security cutter deployed to the Indo-Pacific region this year.

The Indo-Pacific region stretches from the United States Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean; it is home to over half of the world’s population and accounts for two-thirds of the global economy.

Throughout the 118-day patrol, Munro participated in international engagements in Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and with ships at sea from the Royal Thai Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy.

“This opportunity to work with our allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific increased our regional interoperability and sharpened our seamanship,” said Capt. Rula Deisher, Munro’s commanding officer. “We thoroughly enjoyed conducting professional exchanges, improving maritime capabilities, and strengthening maritime governance in the region by fostering global connectivity, facilitating cohesion and steps taken towards ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

While in Yokosuka, Japan, Munro hosted a luncheon aboard with several key members of the Japan Coast Guard to discuss Operation Solid Alliance for Peace and Prosperity with Humanity and Integrity on the Rule of law-based Engagement (SAPPHIRE). SAPPHIRE is a joint agreement between the U.S. and Japan Coast Guards signed in 2022 to enhance cooperation between the two sea services.

Munro’s crew had the opportunity to engage with members of the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and tour the KCG’s Academy and training ship while in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea. At sea, Munro and the Korea Coast Guard vessel KCG 3011 (Badaro) conducted a joint harbor sail, including ship maneuvers and small boat operations.

Munro conducted a port call in Malaysia, the U.S. Coast Guard’s first cutter to visit the country since 2020. While there, crewmembers interacted with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and conducted several subject matter expert exchanges at the MMEA’s training academy. Additionally, Munro hosted key leaders aboard for a luncheon and tour aboard the cutter.

At sea, Munro participated in the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative (SEAMLEI) in the Gulf of Thailand with Royal Thai and Malaysian Navies. SEAMLEI included mock boardings, flight operations, and formation steaming.

In Singapore, crewmembers engaged with members from the Information Fusion Center, U.S. Navy League, and Singapore Maritime & Port Authority personnel, as well as serving in a community relations event where the crew constructed desks and other furniture for a local school.

Munro’s last port call in the region was in Brunei, where the crew participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the first U.S. Coast Guard asset to do so in 23 years. Munro worked with the Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Brunei Department of Fisheries, Brunei Military Police, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy, conducting subject matter expert exchanges and exercises. During the at-sea portion of CARAT, Munro trained with a Royal Brunei Navy Patrol Vessel, Royal Brunei Air Force S-70 helicopter, and U.S. Navy P-8, conducting shipboard maneuvers and search and rescue exercises.

Named after Signalman First Class Douglas Munro, Munro is one of four Coast Guard national security cutters homeported in Alameda. The cutter’s namesake is the Coast Guard’s only Medal of Honor recipient. He was awarded for his actions and sacrifice in the defense, rescue, and evacuation of a U.S. Marine battalion from Point Cruz at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942.

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 North Pacific’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.

“US Navy LCS Successfully Fires SM-6 From MK 70 Payload Delivery System” –Naval News

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“USS Savannah (LCS 28) conducts a live-fire demonstration in the Eastern Pacific Ocean utilizing a containerized launching system that fired an SM-6 missile from the ship at a designated target. The exercise demonstrated the modularity and lethality of Littoral Combat Ships and the ability to successfully integrate a containerized weapons system to engage a surface target. The exercise will inform continued testing, evaluation and integration of containerized weapons systems on afloat platforms.” (I note this LCS, unlike Coast Guard cutters, has ballistic protection for the crews of its .50 caliber machine guns)

Naval News reports,

US Navy Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) successfully launched an SM-6 missile from a MK 70 Mod 1 Payload Delivery System placed on the ship’s helicopter deck.

This is significant for the Coast Guard, in that this could just as easily been a cutter. In fact, in some respects the cutters are better equipped than the LCS. It could give Coast Guard cutters a wartime role that would not require a lengthy refit in the yard, assuming the Navy could provide the expertise to augment the cutter’s crew with the necessary expertise.

There are other considerations that might be limiting, but the flight decks on the National Security Cutters are 50 by 80 feet and those of the Offshore Patrol Cutters will be a similar size, so there is sufficient deck space to host several 40x8x8 foot Mk70 containers, each with four cells each of which can contain up to four missiles (ESSM and possibly others).

In this particular exercise, an SM-6 was used against a surface target. The SM-6 was originally intended to be used for long range anti-air warfare (AAW) including terminal phase ballistic missile defense. but it also has a proven capability against surface targets, including an anti-ship capability.

The Mk70 can launch any of the weapons that can be launched from Mk41 vertical launch systems, meaning they can be used against ships, aircraft, submerged submarines, or targets on land.

The system could certainly be used on cutters acting alone to attack fixed facilities ashore. Already installed sensors might permit short range use against ships and aircraft.

But perhaps more importantly, there is concern for the depth of magazines on Aegis combatants and the difficulty of underway rearming. Cooperative Engagement Capability would allow missiles mounted in Mk70 launchers on cutters and/or other vessels to be launched by Aegis capable combatants against any threat they can target. This would allow relatively unsophisticated ships armed with the Mk70 systems to serve as offboard magazines for the Aegis combatants. 

The Australians might also be looking at this for the Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) as well. In fact, it could be applied to virtually any allied OPV or ship with a flight deck more than 40 feet in length.

“CHINA IS FIGHTING THE THIRD OPIUM WAR WITH FISH” –CIMSEC

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Chinese fishing vessel fleet (Photo: The Maritime Executive)

CIMSEC has an interesting take on China’s use of its Distant Waters Fishing Fleet (DWF).

“If the U.S. is serious about “Great Power Competition,” it at least needs to stop scoring “own goals” by funding and emboldening the main competitor. But from the standpoints of both defense and security, these issues cannot be overlooked or marginalized. China is using its DWF globally in a manner that accrues tremendous benefits to the Chinese armed forces.”

The US Coast Guard is certainly trying to help other nations protect their EEZs from unauthorized exploitation by Chinese Fishing Vessels, but currently many nations license Chinese exploitation of their EEZ and there is no way we can prevent the Chinese from fishing in the waters beyond national boundaries. Even if the US stopped buying Chinese caught fish, there are other ready markets. The only result would be raising the cost of fish to US consumers.

What we need are alternative competitive provider of seafood. 

We could have a true win/win by helping the Compact of Free Association States, (Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau) develop distant waters fishing fleets of their own. This would help keep their interests aligned with ours. Motivate them to keep the Chinese out of their EEZ, and direct more cash flow into these small, friendly and strategically important nations.

We Need the Ship to Accomplish the Mission, the Gunner Protects the Ship, So We Need to Protect the Gunner

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Crew Served Weapons protection by Kinetic Protection LLC on USN CV.

I have been talking about the need to protect the gunners for our crew served gun mounts since 2013. We revised the topic in 2016, in 2019, and in 2021.

With the current Conflict in the Mid-East, there is perhaps more reason than ever to take another look.

I am particularly concerned about the need to protect gunners at crews served weapon stations (normally .50 caliber machine guns) on the PATFORSWA cutters, against the kinds of 12.7mm and 14.5mm machine guns commonly mounted on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy’s thousands of inshore attack craft. To me the powerful 14.5x114mm round might be regarded as the pacing threat and probably the largest weapon we could provide protection against (MIL-STD-3038 Type XI class B armor).

I would really like to see the crew served weapons replaced by remote weapons stations, but if we are not going to do that, we at least need to protect the gunners.

Crew Served Weapons protection by Kinetic Protection LLC on USN aircraft carrier. Similar protection, with modifications for intended arc of fire for the after .50 caliber gun mounts on the PATFORSWA FRCs which are mounted on the aft corners of O-1 Deck seems appropriate. This mount, on a carrier is relatively low, to allow the gunner to depress the gun, raising the inboard end of the gun, and still aim at targets close aboard to engage targets at very close range. Mounts on cutter might be higher to permit a smaller cutout since the gun would not have to be depressed at as great an angle.

I had an opportunity to talk to the CEO and representatives of Kinetic Protection, LLC who provide the only currently Navy recognized ballistic shielding for crew served weapons that meet DOD requirements (MIL STD 3038 and MIL PRF 32379).

Crew Served Weapons protection by Kinetic Protection LLC on USN aircraft carrier.

I was surprised to learn that their product is metallic rather than a composite. I was told this was because composite armor was found to deteriorate due to environmental exposure while the metallic plates have a 25 year life.

Their armor is customizable by ship class and can be bolt-on or permanently installed. It can be various lengths but currently they have been making sections 30 inches wide and 30, 35 and 60 inches long.

The armor weighs about 20 pounds per square foot so it looks like we could provide 12.5 to 14.6 sq. feet of protection (two panels 30×30 or 30×35 inches) for each of the four crew served weapons positions for a total of about 1200 pounds of additional weight. This should not be a problem, considering how many people are frequently crammed on these small ships when they are used to repatriate aliens.

While considering how to help these ships survive in conflict, there are other things we can do to make the weapons more effective, like stabilizing systems and better sights.

The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) in Manus, Papua New Guinea, Aug. 14, 2022 (U.S. Coast Guard photo by SW3 Victor Villanueva, NMCB-FOUR). Enlarging this photo by touching on it provides a view of both the forward and after crew served mounts located on the O-1 deck and the probable location of armor to protect the gunners. It is not clear if the current aft positions would allow the weapons to point directly astern, but every effort should be made to provide maximum arcs of fire. Pipe guards could be installed to prevent guns being depressed far enough to fire into the ship or personnel on the main deck.

This kind of protection used to be common. I have included some examples below.

A 20mm gun tub. The steps allowed the gunner, strapped to the gun, to point the weapon from the horizon to near vertical.

“U.S. Coast Guard strengthens historic relationship with Philippines during landmark visit to Tacloban” –USCG Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

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Below is a U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam news release. We seem to be pushing the little Webber class FRCs further and further. Because they are small, they are effective good will ambassadors. Clearly, they are not there to intimidate. There are more photos at the link. 

Oct. 23, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard strengthens historic relationship with Philippines during landmark visit to Tacloban

TACLOBAN, Philippines — In a historic first, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) visited partners in Tacloban, Philippines, from Oct. 19 to 23, 2023, and the crew conducted engagements marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the United States and the Philippines.

This visit of several days coincided with the observance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a crucial event in World War II history where U.S. Coast Guardsmen were a significant part of the U.S. forces and among the first to hit the beaches as the U.S. sought to retake the Philippines.

“We are deeply honored to be part of this observance and to strengthen the bond between the United States and the Philippines,” said Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of the USCGC Frederick Hatch. “It is a privilege to bring a U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter to the Philippines for the first time and to visit the historic city of Tacloban. My crew was excited to collaborate with the Philippine Coast Guard to deepen our connections with our fellow seagoing Service and explore this unique city and island.”

An advance team from U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam held planning meetings in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to prepare for this visit and the Battle of Leyte Gulf observance. Discussions revolved around mutual capabilities, training opportunities, and community engagement, part of the Coast Guard’s Operation Blue Pacific mission.

While in Tacloban, the crew, with support from the Maritime Security Response Team West, hosted a subject matter expert exchange on maritime law enforcement with Philippine Coast Guard colleagues, observed the 79th Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary, hosted local school children and government officials, held working meetings, and experienced the culture of the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines.

“The expanded capabilities of the Fast Response Cutter represent more than just advanced technology; they symbolize the bridge of cooperation and goodwill between nations. The FRCs and their dedicated crews regularly play a pivotal role in international diplomacy. These vessels, along with their highly trained and professional crews, are ambassadors of peace and collaboration, said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “They foster understanding and trust across borders, making the seas safer not only for our own nations but for all nations that rely on the freedom of navigation and maritime security.”

This visit is part of the USCGC Frederick Hatch’s regularly scheduled expeditionary patrol as part of the ongoing Operation Blue Pacific. It follows previous interactions between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, including the recent arrival of the USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) in Manila for professional exchanges and joint operations.

The visit of Pacific Area commander Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson in April to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for partnership further exemplifies the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to the region. The Service’s role as a federal law enforcement agency and an armed forces branch uniquely positions the agency’s teams to conduct security cooperation operations supporting combatant commanders, upholding governance, and ensuring regional stability. Through Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavor, the Service seeks to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania while strengthening relationships between partner nations in the Pacific.

The Tacloban visit underscores the shared strategic efforts toward a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and aligns with the Pacific Area Commander’s goals to prepare a ready force, generate combined effects, and uphold governance. It also supports U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s commitment to be a trusted partner in Oceania and deliver operational excellence.

-USCG-

About the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Region:

The U.S. Coast Guard is a vital force ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship across a vast Pacific expanse, spanning six continents, 71 countries, and 74 million square miles of ocean. U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area leads coordination and integration efforts in this vast region, promoting collaboration with partners.

Within this framework, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 oversees 14 million square miles in the Central and Western Pacific, serving as the Coast Guard’s largest district with 1,750 personnel operating 25 units. Their mission includes maritime safety, resource protection, security, and national defense, making them indispensable in the Pacific.

Reporting to District 14, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team focuses on maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. With a base in Guam and over 300 members across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, they maintain a strong U.S. presence in the Micronesia sub-region and adjacent areas, closely tied to local communities.

About USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143)
The Frederick Hatch is the 43rd 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter named for a surfman and lighthouse keeper who was a two-time Gold Life Saving Medal recipient. The Service commissioned the ship along with its sister ships, Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) and Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), in Guam in July 2021. They are currently on patrol representing the United States Coast Guard in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering international cooperation and maritime security.

“Canada orders first hybrid Coast Guard vessel” –Marine Log

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Canada’s first hybrid Coast Guard vessel. [Image: Robert Allan Ltd.]

Marine Log reports,

“Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded Gaspé, Quebec, shipbuilder Chantier Naval Forillon a CAD 55.5 million (about US$40.5 million) contract to build Canada’s first hybrid Coast Guard vessel: the new Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel (NSFRV). The vessel is among those that was listed when Canada announced plans, back in May, to invest about US$1.8 billion in renewing the Canadian Coast Guard’s small vessel fleet.“

Its primary job is not something the US Coast Guard does. It’s not large, 32 meters (105′), and it’s not cheap, but it does incorporate a lot of interesting technology that should cut fuel costs. It gets by with a very small crew, five plus six Fisheries and Oceans scientists, but then it is not expected to do law enforcement or a lot of boat ops or boardings.