I have long felt that the Coast Guard needs a yard on the West Coast, and that the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard is an opportunity that should not be missed.

The August (Coast Guard issue) of US Naval Institute Proceedings has an article that also suggests that with a special emphasis, “Reclaim Mare Island as an NSC Center of Excellence,” seeing it not only as a Coast Guard repair facility but also a relief for the Navy’s current repair backlog, particularly for the new frigate based on the National Security Cutter

This was the first prize winning entry in the Coast Guard Essay contest.

It seems the need for a Pacific side Coast Guard Yard is being felt. It was also mentioned in two other places in the same issue of Proceedings.

The Yard in Vallejo was the yard that did the rolling Service Life Extension on Polar Star.

Ships built in Vallejo

Vallejo has one of the lowest costs of living of any port on the West Coast, less than San Diego, LA, or Seattle. It has generally good weather with little likelihood of damaging winds. It is near a major labor market, but not close enough to any existing government shipyard to draw talent from an existing facility.

The administration has expressed a desire to increase shipyard capacity, and the Navy is considering opening a fifth shipyard.

Logically I think given that since China is the pacing threat, and most of the Pacific Fleet is in San Diego there is a need for a Government yard in California. Whether it is Coast Guard run or Navy run or some kind of joint venture, reopening a government yard in Vallejo is too good an opportunity to miss.