CGAS Kodiak

KMXT radio station Kodiak, Alaska reported on Commissioning of USCGC Frederick Mann (WPC-1160) in Kodiak. I had already passed along the news release about the commissioning as a comment on an earlier post.

One of our readers pointed me to the KMXT post because it includes some interesting comments by the District Commander and Senator Dan Sullivan.

“They’re expecting two additional offshore patrol cutters. They’re going to go from five to nine MH 60s, these are the new helicopters,” he explained. “They’ve had almost $150 million in family housing, $40 million for the Child Development Center. $145 million for a new fuel pier. So that’s just Kodiak.”

The funding breakdown for Kodiak, according to Sen. Sullivan’s office, includes: $202 million for OPC and FRC homeports; $147.2 million for family housing, $40 million Child Development Center, $145 million for a new fuel pier; and $5 million to repurpose an aircraft hangar for MH-60 helicopter operations.

Good news on infrastructure improvements.

We knew about the two OPCs planned for Kodiak, though when they will be there is an open question. Presumably the increased number of H-60s is to replace the H-65s that currently operate from cutters.

There are more comments on smaller units as well and reference to the Commandant’s statement that four of the Arctic Security Cutters might be stationed in Alaska.

Some of the 87 footer movements are to cover for decommissioned island class. Presumably the new Waterways Commerce Cutter will replace USCGC Elderberry (WLI-65401).

The Arctic District needs to update their website since it still shows three Island class cutter while they have all been decommissioned. It would be helpful if the list also included the ships designation and hull number.

Thanks to David S. for bringing this to my attention.