Homeland Security Cutter-Ocean is moored at U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, Florida, June 26, 2026. Cutter Ocean will serve as the first vessel contracted in a new initiative using commercial vessels to transport supplies, equipment and personnel to Coast Guard cutters operating in the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and other maritime areas in the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Reese Hindmarsh)

gCaptain reports,

“The U.S. Coast Guard is turning to the commercial offshore industry to strengthen logistics support for its cutter fleet, awarding a contract to Louisiana-based Bordelon Marine for the Connor Bordelon, a commercial offshore support vessel that will operate under the designation Homeland Security Cutter-Ocean (HSC-Ocean).

“The vessel will transport supplies, equipment, and personnel to Coast Guard cutters operating throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and other maritime areas across the Western Hemisphere as part of the Coast Guard’s new HSC-Ocean initiative.”

I do feel a bit uncomfortable with calling this a cutter. That implies this is a Coast Guard cutter, but operating with a civilian crew it will have none of the law enforcement authorities of a Coast Guard cutter.

Thanks to Patrick for bringing this to my attention,