Author Archives: Chuck Hill

“Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron completes 1,000th interdiction” –Atlantic Area

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Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757), the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – South and unmanned aerial vehicle personnel pose for a group photo aboard Midgett while underway in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Aug. 28, 2025. On Aug. 25, HITRON used airborne use of force to stop the non-compliant vessel, marking the unit’s 1,000th drug interdiction since the unit’s inception in 1999, which resulted in Midgett crew members seizing approximately 3,606 pounds of suspected cocaine worth an estimated $46 million and apprehending six suspected narco-traffickers. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) In the front is a V-Bat Vertical Take Off UAS.

Below is an Atlantic Area news release.

Recognizing this milestone is important because it shows how successful the program has been. The Coast Guard is shooting every nine days.

The Unmanned aircraft, first ScanEagle and then V-Bat have made the Coast Guard even more successful.

Sept. 10, 2025

Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron completes 1,000th interdiction

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) achieved a significant milestone in its counter-drug mission, completing its 1,000th interdiction of suspected narco-trafficking vessels Aug. 25.

Since October 1, 2024, HITRON has interdicted $3.3 billion in illicit narcotics destined for the United States via maritime routes, a three-fold increase over its historic annual average of $1 billion.

“HITRON embodies the Coast Guard’s spirit of innovation and adaptability,” said Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “From its humble beginnings as a prototype program, it has evolved into a vital force in our counter-narcotics efforts. This milestone is a powerful reminder of the strategic value of this specialized unit in addressing the evolving complex maritime security challenges.”

On Aug. 25, a HITRON aviation detachment deployed aboard Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) observed a suspected narco-trafficking vessel approximately 372 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico in the early evening. The helicopter directed the vessel to heave to over the radio and with warning shots. When the vessel failed to comply, the crew used precision rifle fire from the helicopter to disable the vessel’s engine, in accordance with airborne use of force policy. A Coast Guard law enforcement boarding team from Midgett seized more than 3,600 pounds of suspected cocaine that was found aboard and jettisoned in the waters around the vessel, estimated to have a street value of $49 million.

HITRON is based in Jacksonville, Florida and a component of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command. It was founded in 1999 as a classified prototype program to test the ability of Coast Guard aircraft to employ precision fire to disable narcotics smuggling vessels. With impressive early results, this team grew from the initial ten personnel to its current size of over 200 Active Duty, Reservists, and civilian members, including an exchange pilot from the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. Since its founding, HITRON has interdicted $33.2 billion in illicit drugs during operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and over the past 26 years has averaged one interdiction every nine days.

Through Operation Pacific Viper, the Coast Guard is accelerating counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, where significant transport of illicit narcotics continues from South America. In coordination with international and interagency partners, the Coast Guard is surging additional assets—cutters, aircraft and tactical teams—to interdict, seize and disrupt transshipments of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs. These operations continue the Coast Guard’s efforts to protect the Homeland, project maritime law enforcement presence and disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels seeking to produce and traffic illicit drugs into the United States.

“Davie Unveils $1B ‘American Icebreaker Factory’ in Texas to Build Arctic Security Cutters” –gCaptain

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A rendering of Davie Defense’s “American Icebreaker Factory,” a planned $1 billion transformation of the historic Gulf Copper shipyard in Galveston, Texas. Image courtesy Davie

gCaptain reports,

Davie Defense Inc., the newest entrant to the American shipbuilding sector, has revealed detailed plans for a $1 billion overhaul of the historic Gulf Copper shipyard in Galveston, Texas, aiming to create the “American Icebreaker Factory”—a purpose-built facility for constructing U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutters.

The project plans, announced Wednesday, marks what the company describes as the largest single increase in U.S. shipbuilding capacity in decades.

Note, this is intended to build the medium “Arctic Security Cutter.”

“Coast Guard Exercises Contract Option for 10 Additional Fast Response Cutters” –News Release

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220822-A-KS490-1178 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Aug. 22, 2022) From the left, U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144), USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) and USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) transit the Strait of Hormuz, Aug. 22. The cutters are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Noah Martin)

Below is a Coast Guard News Release.

Sept. 10, 2025

Coast Guard Exercises Contract Option for 10 Additional Fast Response Cutters

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard has exercised a contract option with Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, Louisiana, to fund initial construction on 10 additional Fast Response Cutters (FRCs), Tuesday. The $507 million option supports ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet and expand the Coast Guard’s global maritime mission.

The action made possible by the passage of Public Law 119-21, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, increases the total number of FRCs ordered under the current agreement from 67 to 77. Supported by historic investments, this legislation provides nearly $25 billion – the largest single funding commitment in Coast Guard history – including $1 billion dollars for additional FRCs. The first FRC funded through this option is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2028.

“As the first Coast Guard contracting action to execute over $100 million in reconciliation funds and the first reconciliation-funded action executed by a cutter program, this is a historic accomplishment for the Service,” said Rear Adm. Mike Campbell, the Coast Guard’s Director of Systems Integration and Chief Acquisition Officer. “Since its introduction to the fleet in 2012 as the successor to the 110-foot Island class patrol boat, the Fast Response Cutter has consistently proven its capabilities, adaptability and effectiveness in a wide range of maritime environments and Coast Guard missions.”

Sentinel-class FRCs are critical assets in the Coast Guard’s mission to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches. To date, 59 of these cutters are in service, replacing the aging fleet of 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The Sentinel-class FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. Expanding the FRC fleet continues the Coast Guard’s modernization through Force Design 2028, an initiative introduced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force.

The FRC fleet will complement the capabilities of the service’s national security cutters (NSCs), offshore patrol cutters (OPCs) and polar security cutters (PSCs) as an essential element of the Nation’s layered maritime security strategy.

“SH Defence to deliver Cube Mission Modules to U.S. Coast Guard”–Naval News

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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21) Is underway in Mobile, Alabama, May 23, 2025. Storis conducted sea trials 20 miles off Petit Bois in the Gulf of America. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Grace McBryde)

Naval News reports,

SH Defence a Danish Defence Company with an office in the USA has signed an agreement with the US Coast Guard through Foreign Comparative Testing, to deliver CubeTM Mission Modules and CubeTM System RemoteOperated Twistlocks for integration into US Coast Guard Cutter Storis.

A brief overview of “The Cube” here: 12:52

“Russia Deploys Icebreaker With Kalibr Cruise Missile Capability, Blurring Civilian-Military Lines” –United 24 Media

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“The Project 23550 Ice-class patrol ship “Ivan Papanin”, built for the Russian Navy at “Admiralty Shipyards”, went to sea for factory sea trials. https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/21229221

United 24 Media reports that,

The Russian Navy formally commissioned the Ivan Papanin, a Project 23550 patrol icebreaker…Armament includes a 76.2 mm AK-176MA automatic naval gun, but the most notable feature is its ability to carry containerized missile systems.

There have been several references to these as if they made a significant difference, but actually, so far we have not seen containerized missiles actually mounted. The Russian Navy has many missile launchers in the Arctic and the US Navy (and US Army) has also demonstrated the ability to deploy containerized missile launchers, using one or more Mk70 launchers. Most Russian icebreakers are civilian ships but the Russian Navy has maintained their own icebreakers since at least World War II. This is not a big change. We are just seeing weapons packaged a different way, a way that allows the armament to change rapidly.

“National Defence Welcomes the Canadian Coast Guard to the Defence Team” –Canadian Government

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Canadian CG MPV. Credit Aker Arctic. I expect vessels like these are seen as essential to protect national sovereignty.

The Canadian Government has announced that,

“The Department of National Defence (DND) today announced the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) into the Defence Team, marking an important step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime security…This transition also includes key personnel from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, bringing greater collaboration across departments in support of Canada’s maritime priorities…The CCG will remain a civilian Special Operating Agency, with no change to its status…the Government of Canada has also proposed expanding the CCG’s services to include maritime security activities under Bill C-2, which is currently before Parliament.

It appears this is aimed at facilitating law enforcement in the Arctic, making the Canadian Coast Guard more of a law enforcement agency, and enhancing their ability to deal with human trafficking and fentanyl precursors.

It may be surprising that the Canadian vessels that cooperate with the US Coast Guard in conducting drug enforcement are Canadian Navy rather than Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard vessels, unlike USCG vessels are not armed.

“HMS Coventry (D118) Sea of Fire” –Video

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Above is a video that I saw on Cdr Salamander’s “Full Bore Friday.” This happened about 43 years ago so there is a good chance you may not know about it. The British lost several ships but still won the war. Ironically if Argentina had waited for a few months some of the critical ships would have been decommissioned, most importantly the two HMS Fearless Landing Platform Docks. Instead they remained in commission until 1999 and 2002.

The HMS Coventry was slightly smaller than a Nation Security Cutter or an Offshore Patrol Cutter. During the fighting the Type 42 had no close in weapon system but they were added shortly after the fighting ended.

It was a failure to add what was needed.

“COAST GUARD EXERCISES OPTIONS ON $3 BILLION OFFSHORE PATROL CUTTER CONTRACT” –Austal News Release

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USCGC Pickering Artist rendering starboard quarter. Credit: Austal

Below is a news release from Austal Shipbuilding.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025

Mobile, Ala. – The U.S. Coast Guard exercised options worth $314 million to Austal USA for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program.  The contract options provide Austal USA approval to order long lead time materials (LLTM) for another 3 OPCs, Austal USA’s 4th, 5th, and 6th cutters.  Funds have also been provided for logistic supply items for two OPCs.  The original contract was awarded to Austal USA in June 2022 included detail design and construction for up to 11 OPCs with a potential value of $3.3 billion. To date, 2 of 11 OPCs in the contract have been awarded to Austal USA.

“We are pleased to receive these contract options for long lead-time materials in support of the U.S. Coast Guard’s OPC program,” commented Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “These early awards speak to the strong partnership that has developed between the Coast Guard and Austal USA teams.  We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership and deliver these much-needed cutters.”

Work on Austal USA’s first OPC, Pickering (WMSMS 919), is well underway with the keel laying planned for December.  Construction began on Icarus (WMSMS 920) in early August.

The 360-foot OPC will support the national security strategy for maintaining the nation’s economic, social, environmental and military security mission areas. The OPC will typically conduct its primary missions beyond 12 nautical miles from shore and will be employed anywhere the national interests require the Coast Guard’s unique blend of authorities and capabilities. OPC will provide the majority of the Coast Guard’s offshore presence conducting a variety of missions including law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, and search and rescue.

With a range of 10,200 nautical miles at 14 knots and a 60-day endurance period, each OPC will be capable of deploying independently or as part of task groups, serving as a mobile command and control platform for surge operations such as hurricane response, mass migration incidents and other events. The cutters will also support Arctic objectives by helping regulate and protect emerging commerce and energy exploration in Alaska.

“Coast Guard to get first MQ-9 drones” –Military Times

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ MQ-9A “Big Wing” UAS flew in the hostile climate of the Canadian Arctic. GA-ASI

Military Times reports reports,

About $266 million of the nearly $25 billion that the Coast Guard received in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law in July will be used to procure the service’s own MQ-9 Alpha long-range unmanned aerial systems, Lieutenant Commander Steve Roth said.

I am glad to see the Coast Guard buying its own airframes but I don’t understand why they are not buying the MQ-9B SeaGuardian that is optimized for over ocean search and includes Minotaur like all Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft along with link 16. From. Wikipedia:

The MQ-9Bs performance changes include a 79 ft (24 m) wingspan that has winglets and enough fuel for a 40-hour endurance at 50,000 ft (15,000 m). Features include High Definition EO/IR Full Motion Video sensor, De/Anti-Icing System, TCAS, and Automatic Take-Off & Land. The system also includes a completely redesigned & modernized integrated ground control station with 4 crew stations.

Thanks to David for bring this to my attention.

“ASW Should Be a Coast Guard Mission­–Again” –USNI

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USCGC Duane on North Atlantic Convoy Duty. AS seen from USCGC Spencer.

The US Naval Institute September Proceedings includes an argument that major cutters need to be prepared to take on anti-submarine equipment. In an long war the author envisions the Coast Guard will ultimately have their own ASW equipment but recognizes that initially the helicopters, towed array sonar, and crews could be Navy..

The author, a submariner, also believes the equipment could help with peace time missions.

Important, ASW investment would offer immediate peacetime benefits. Enhancing the Coast Guard’s underwater surveillance capabilities would directly strengthen its border security and counternarcotics missions, improve boarding team safety, and extend interdiction range in the maritime domain. Many of the technologies necessary for submarine detection would be valuable in locating low-profile drug smuggling vessels, including go-fast boats and semisubmersibles. (See “Interdicting Narcotics at Sea,” pp. 10–11, August 2025.) These crafts’ minimal radar and visual signatures pose detection challenges similar to those of modern diesel-electric submarines.

There were good reasons ASW equipment was removed from the 378s in 1991 as the Soviet Union fell apart, but things have changed. I would expect the Chinese to use their conventional submarines to lie in wait for US submarines and aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. They are unlikely to engage American subs with their own SSNs. I think they are more likely to engage US logistics with their SSNs. The US Navy does not want to divert highly capable AAW assets to convoy escort but currently those are the only type of escorts the Navy has.