Canadian Coast Guard Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI). Source: Seaspan
Note: The MPI image does not show the right propulsors; it will use Steerprop’s contra-rotating propulsors (CRP). Additionally according to Seaspan, the design could easily be upgraded to PC3. Confirmation from Seaspan and Aker Arctic. This is one of two Arctic Security Cutter designs being built for the USCG.
This is mostly about the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which we talked about earlier. but there is some important additional information here. As previously speculated there will apparently be a new Coast Guard base in American Samoa. (See also here.)
They (Webber class FRCs–Chuck) will be based out of Guam, Hawaii, and the soon-to-be-reopened WWII-era base in American Samoa.
We probably also need to station some FRCs in Manus, Papua New Guinea.
The report may create some unwarranted impressions.
“Among other theaters, the FRCs and OPCs will operate in the Indo-Pacific in packs led by a frigate-sized National Security Cutter.” –The Coast Guard does not normally operate their ships in packs. In the Eastern Pacific Drug transit zone there may be more than one cutter coordinating their operation, but even there they tend to spread out. There is the possibility of coordinating operations with law enforcement agencies of friendly nations in the Western Pacific.
“In just three short years, the USCG will have seventy-seven FRCs in the fleet.” —FRC#61 was delivered recently. The 67th FRC was previously scheduled for delivery in 2028. With the most recent award, the total program has increased to 77 vessels, extending the production line by approximately three years. Sounds like 2031.
“Additionally, Trump signed a deal with our NATO ally Finland to buy 11 Finnish ice-capable cutters for the Arctic and Antarctica right away.” –Only four of these will be built in Finland, the rest will be built in the US.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
Wow that’s one I missed. I have been buried under the discussion over the fallout of the Constellation class cancellation. Super news. I think the USCG is going to become even more involved in the Pacific. The US needs Canadian resources, but it will also need Australian resources in this multipolar world and this means dominating the Pacific. Many in the US don’t understand this. Many don’t the US’s basing options are going to reduce. They are intent on freighting the old Cold War.
85% of the US EEZ is in the Pacific and we have additional responsibilities to the three Compact of Free Association Island nations.
Your comment prompted me to write this: https://chuckhillscgblog.net/2025/12/08/why-pac-area-is-under-resourced/