Notional vendor rendering of two Chief Petty Officer class waterways commerce cutter variants: a river buoy tender (left) and an inland construction tender. Image courtesy of Birdon America Inc.
The U.S. Coast Guard is to designate its new fleet of Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCCs) as the “Chief Petty Officer Class.” Each cutter will be named in honor of a Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, recognizing the profound impact and legacy of these leaders within the service.
Sounds like a good idea.
Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
The Waterways Commerce Cutters have been a long time coming. Their commonality will improve logistical support, reduce operational and maintenance cost, and will increase availability of these cutters.
Once fielded the next platform will require a similar kind of activity. Too much of the USCG platforms are getting long in the tooth. How about some discussion of those?
Glad to see it, still amazes me that all 3 cutters I was on are still going (Hatchet/WLIC among them and 2 210s).
“Birdon America starts construction on third waterways commerce cutter”
https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/birdon-america-starts-construction-on-third-waterways-commerce-cutter/
These special mission black hulls in the USCG fleet are key to keeping the economy of the U.S. moving. Of three common configurations they will simplify training, maintenance, and logistical support. Can’t wait to see them in action.
I wish a second USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30) for the GLAKES existed. Perhaps a Medium Icebreaker will fill the bill.
TORCH OUT
The six “Arctic Security Cutters” recently contracted are to a Canadian design, Multi-Purpose Icebreakers, and the Canadians plan to use theirs in the Great Lakes as well as the Arctic and St Lawrence. They plan to build 16.