What I see as a more logical use of resources (https://www.usni.org/node/91837). Replace the James now serving as a fixed command post in San Juan harbor with the USS Ponce to allow the cutter to return to its normal ops.
The US Naval Institute Proceedings has an article advocating the formation of a Western Pacific Coast Guard Forum and CUES (Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea).
While it is certainly desirable to establish norms of behavior, unfortunately many of the incidents of the recent past have not been “unplanned,” they have apparently been orchestrated attempts at intimidation.
Japan Times reports on a meeting of Coast Guard leaders from 34 countries.
The GenM3 PMag polymer magazine manufactured by Magpul Industries has been approved for use by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps.
A bit of small arms news that might have an impact on the Coast Guard in a report from Military Times.
If I understand correctly, this will be the only replacement magazine used by the Marines, while the Air Force use either this or the Army’s “Enhanced Performance Magazine,” or EPM.
Senators have asked the Army why they have not also approved the polymer magazines.
“The Magpul GenM3 PMag was the only magazine to perform to acceptable levels across all combinations of Marine Corps 5.56mm rifles and ammunition during testing. That magazine has, therefore, been approved for use for both training and combat,” Marine Corps Systems Command told Military Times.
The senators’ letter highlights that the rigorous testing by the Marine Corps of Magpul’s GenM3 PMAG witnessed zero stoppages even among a multitude of ammunition types.
“Additionally, reports state they also reduce damage to the chamber face and feed ramps when using M855A1 ammunition. As our national debt approaches $20 billion, ensuring the longevity of these rifles is important,” the letter reads.
Anyone aware if the Coast Guard has taken a position on these new magazines?
I have added new page to Website, “Acronym.” I realized a need for this when I found I had used an acronym without explaining it, as I usually try to do. I began this by importing list of acronyms added to earlier post, “Offshore and Aviation Fleet Mix Study Published,” so it includes some acronyms I have seen nowhere else. To that list I have added some more, including a number of Navy acronyms. Hopefully this will be helpful. If you find some Coast Guard or Naval acronyms not included, let me know–an explanation of meaning would be appreciated.
This is old. It goes back to 1992, but if they knew the results here, it raises a question, why are we still equipping the Mk38s with 25mm guns instead of 30mm (or 35mm or 40mm) guns which also fit the same mount? The results are discussed beginning at time 8:00. The 30mm does nine times the damage to the hull and five times the damage inside the hull.
At the very least we need to make sure we have available rounds that do not detonate on impact. The 25mm rounds, exploding on impact, failed to even penetrate the 1/4 inch aluminum hull of the Mk3 target boat.
Thanks to Luke for bringing this to my attention.
USS John S. McCain–damaged
USS John S. McCain has had a collision with a merchant vessel. Ten are missing. Navy news releases with updates here.
This unfortunately follows closely on the heels of the USS Fitzgerald collision.
You can read one of the reports on the Fitzgerald collision here
The Congressional Research Service has issued an updated edition of their their report, “Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress,” authored by their specialist in Naval Affair, Ronald O’Rourke. You can get it in pdf format here.
There may be “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover.”, gCaptain offers 50 ways to deal with sea sickness.
Mark Tempest of the EagleSpeak blog found the video above.
Interesting to see how much has changed, and how much has not.
