Excellent article on MyCG that among other things talks about the importance of the name we give to our cutters. A very good read.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Juniper (WLB 201) return to Honolulu after completing a 45-day patrol in Oceania in support of Operation ‘Aiga, Oct. 1, 2021. The Juniper is a 225-foot Juniper-Class seagoing buoy tender home-ported in Honolulu, the crew is responsible for maintaining aids to navigation, performing maritime law enforcement, port, and coastal security, search and rescue and environmental protection. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Cutter Juniper)

Today I realized there was not a convenient listing of buoy tenders including their geographic distribution. Buoy Tenders, particularly the 2000 ton 225 foot WLBs, really are major units. They frequently do more than tend buoys. WLBs break ice in the NE, Great Lake, and Arctic districts. They have escorted WPCs on long voyages in PACAREA. WLMs can do just about anything WLBs can do and may stand in for WLBs when they are doing other types of work.

A major maintenance availability (MMA) program for the WLBs was completed 29 July, 2025. An MMA for the WLMs began a year ago when USCGC Ida Lewis, WLM-551, arrived at the Coast Guard Yard, 15 July, 2025. That probably means we can expect about one WLM homeport change per year.

I used the Navy League’s 2026 Almanac to prepare this list.

NE District

• Rockland, ME: WLM-553 Abbie Burgess
• Portland, ME: WLM-554 Marcus Hanna
• Newport, RI: WLB-209 Sycamore / WLB-211 Oak / WLM-551 Ida Lewis
• Bayonne, NJ: WLM-552 Catherine Walker

East District

• Philadelphia: WLM-560 William Tate
• Baltimore: WLM-555 James Rankin
• Portsmouth, VA: WLM-557 Frank Drew
• Atlantic Beach, NC: WLB-207 Maple

SE District

• Charleston, SC: WLB-202 Willow
• Atlantic Beach, FL: WLM-562 Maria Bray
• St Petersburg, FL: WLM-556 Joshua Appleby

Heartland District

• Pensacola, FL: WLB-205 Walnut
• Mobile, AL: WLM-559 Barbara Mabrity
• Galveston, TX: WLM-561 Harry Claiborne

Great Lakes District

• Duluth, Minn: WLB-206 Spar
• Port Huron, Michigan: WLB-215 Sequoia

SW District

• San Pedro, CA: WLM-564 George Cobb
• San Francisco: WLB-216 Alder

NW District

• Astoria, Ore: WLB-204 Elm
• Everett, WA: WLM-563 Henry Blake

Arctic District

• Ketchikan, AK: WLM-558 Anthony Petit
• Sika, AK: WLB-203 Kukui
• Cordova, AK: WLB-213 Fir
• Homer, AK: WLB-208 Aspen
• Kodiak, AK: WLB-210 Cypress

Oceania District

• Honolulu: WLB-201 Juniper / WLB-214 Hollyhock
• Apra Harbor, Guam: WLB-212 Hickory

WarshipCam -Official, March 29 at 4:49 PM
·
All six Bahrain-based USCG Sentinel-class cutters eastbound in the Singapore Straits – USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC-1141),USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC-1142), USCGC Glen Harris (WPC-1144), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145), USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC-1146) & USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC-1147) – March 2026 SRC: X-@StraitsSights

The Wall Street Journal Reports,

“U.S. Coast Guard ships previously deployed in the Middle East are now operating out of Singapore and the Philippines to help challenge China’s assertion of power in the Pacific.

“The six 154-foot fast-response cutters are part of the Coast Guard’s reimagined ‘expeditionary cutter squadron,’ which can be sent anywhere in the world.”

I did not read the rest of the article which is behind the pay wall, but this tells us a lot. Apparently the squadron is now operating out of Singapore and has been rebranded as the “expeditionary cutter squadron.”

We had previously seen reports that they were conducting exercises with the Thai Navy and with the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, this is the first indication they are now operating out of Singapore and that they are no longer PATFORSWA if that is actually the case.

Still a lot of questions. Will they go back to Bahrain? PATFORSWA was an Atlantic Area asset. Will that change? What has happened to their dependents, I think some lived in Bahrain?

Really I thought the WPCs might have been useful close escorts to protect tankers from attacks by unmanned surface and aircraft, particularly if their armament had been  augmented with Hellfire or APKWS. There is really no end in sight for this conflict, at least not today, maybe we can rethink this.

Click on the map for full size. “The Coast Guard has an international presence, including three permanent international units. Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) is the Coast Guard’s largest unit outside of the United States. PATFORSWA is currently supporting the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The Coast Guard has two commands (Activities Europe and Activities Far East) that support the Coast Guard’s Maritime Safety and Security mission, conducting marine inspection, marine investigation, and international port security operations to ensure the integrity of the Marine Transportation System. The Coast Guard also has personnel assigned to nine DoD Combatant Commands and often has a presence on all seven continents and all of the world’s oceans, projecting national sovereignty with our icebreakers, National Security Cutters, aviation assets, and deployable specialized forces.” -original caption recovered July 15, 2026

Thought some might find this interesting. I have to caution, this may be out of date and incomplete. The caption quoted above includes the statement, “PATFORSWA is currently supporting the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.” Operation Freedom’s Sentinel which began in 2015, ended in August 2021. Since they do not use the name USINDOPACOM for the Pacific Command and that name change happened in 2018, it probably has not been changed for at least eight years. Even so, it may be surprising how many international positions the Coast Guard occupies.

There is also a Domestic Force Laydown on the same web page, but it does not look very useful. It does not include all air stations or WLB and WPC homeports and what is at each geographic location is not labeled. It also does not use the current district names.

The Russian icebreaker Vladimir Ignatyuk breaking a path in the annual sea ice to McMurdo Station, Antarctica on January 26, 2012.
Credit: Steve Royce

Responsible Statecraft talks about why we really need icebreakers, and it is not because the Russians have 40.

Heads of delegation representing the United States, Thailand and Canada pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2026, July 6, 2026, at Laem Tian Pier. US Navy photo

The US Naval Institute news service reports,

The U.S Navy and Royal Thai Navy launched Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2026 on Monday (July 6–Chuck) in Sattahip, Thailand, with Canada also joining the exercise. The U.S is deploying Coast Guard cutters USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145) and USCGC Charles Moulthrope(WPC-1141), a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72 and U.S. Marines from the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC).

Among the Royal Thai Navy ships deployed for CARAT Thailand 2026 are frigates HTMS Taksin (FFG-422) and HTMS Saiburi (FFG-458).

The same two cutters conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, June 27-28, 2026. Have seen nothing to indicate what the remaining four PATFORSWA cutters are doing now.

The post also indicated USCGC Kimball is participating in RIMPAC 2026 and USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) is currently docked in Yokosuka.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 23, 2021) — USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) conducted Astern Refueling at Sea training with the USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625). This evolution provides vital fuel to extend the endurance and range of FRC and provided an excellent training opportunity for both crews. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sydney Niemi/Released)

The Navy League’s on line magazine “Seapower” reports,

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to welcome the Reliance-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625) to its new homeport at Base Portsmouth, July 10, 2026.

The arrival of Venturous marks the first of two medium endurance cutters transitioning to Virginia this month, with the Reliance-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Resolute (WMEC 620) also scheduled to rehome to Base Portsmouth next week.

Both cutters have been based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. This is a move from the SE District to the East District.

A preliminary blueprint of the second-generation special-purpose craft — heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) boat sits on display during a keel laying authentication, July 8, 2026, in Mount Vernon, Washington. These next generation boats will replace the 52-foot heavy weather boats that were in service from the 1950s until 2021 and are designed to perform a wide range of Coast Guard missions in extreme weather and challenging surf conditions that exceed the capabilities of other boats. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter)

Below is a news release from the NW District.

These look like they might be a reasonable replacement for WPBs in some ports, particularly in those where these would be the most seaworthy unit available. Every port has heavy weather some times. I immediately think of Alaska, but how about Florida during Hurricane season. Compared to the Marine Protector class, which are rapidly approaching 30 years old, they can do almost everything the WPB can do in 48 hours or less with a smaller crew. Over 48 hours, the job would go to a Webber class WPC.

SEATTLE – The U.S. Coast Guard and Rozema Boat Works authenticated the keel for the first special purpose craft – heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) during a ceremony July 8 in Mount Vernon, Washington, marking a significant construction milestone on a vessel that will enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to operate in extreme weather and surf conditions in the Pacific Northwest.

A keel authentication is a time-honored maritime tradition marking the formal start of a vessel’s construction. Rear Adm. Jon Hickey, deputy commandant for systems, component acquisition executive and chief acquisition officer for the Coast Guard attended the event with Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.; and other distinguished guests.

During the ceremony, Larsen and Chief Warrant Officer Beth Slade, commanding officer of the National Motor Lifeboat School, welded their initials into the keel, signifying the keel is “well and truly laid.”

“This platform is going to bring significantly enhanced capabilities to the Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest. Most importantly, it’s going to save lives,” Slade said. “The communities we serve depend on the ocean for their livelihood and this platform will enable us to support them in the extreme weather conditions we experience here in the Northwest. It has been an honor to work alongside my fellow surfmen, Coast Guard acquisitions, and Rozema Boatworks to help bring this vessel into service.”

The Coast Guard plans to acquire up to six SPC-HWX II vessels to replace the 52-foot heavy weather boats, which entered service in the 1950s and 1960s and retired in 2021.

Like their predecessors, the SPC-HWX II will be homeported in the Pacific Northwest and designed to perform Coast Guard missions in extreme weather and challenging surf conditions beyond the capabilities of other boats.

The SPC-HWX II will support search and rescue, disabled vessel towing, law enforcement, ports, waterways and coastal security, as well as other Coast Guard missions.

Measuring 64 feet in length, the SPC-HWX II design features self-righting capability and can operate in 35-foot seas, 25-foot surf and winds up to 60 knots. Powered by twin 1,200-horsepower diesel engines, it will reach speeds of 20 knots, tow up to 300 tons, and operate up to 150 miles offshore.

With accommodation for a relief crew, the SPC-HWX II will have an endurance of up to 48 hours, a critical feature for long-range heavy-weather missions.

Delivery of the first SPC-HWX II is scheduled for 2027.

For more information: Boat Acquisition Program

An aerial view of ongoing construction at Coast Guard Base Charleston, where the Coast Guard recently awarded a $230 million contract for new operational support facilities as part of a multi-year infrastructure expansion plan. Recent projects include construction of a 90,000-square-foot engineering complex, a 120,000-square-foot multifunctional building, a new parking structure, recapitalization of Pier Mike, and a new medical and dental facility. These efforts are part of more than $440 million in upgrades to transform Base Charleston into a premier East Coast operational base. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Below is a news release:

Immediately below is a quote from the Base’s web site. In addition to James and Hamilton, National Security Cutters USCGC Stone and Calhoun, not listed, are also based there for a total of four.

Base Charleston was established on October 19th 2015. Base is comprised of two campuses, one in downtown Charleston and one at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in North Charleston, South Carolina. There are 07 Officers, 111 Enlisted, 35 Reservists and 22 Civilians for a total of 175 personnel. Base manages 21.5 acres of property with 214,841 square feet of facilities, and 2 major and 2 floating piers.  Base Charleston serves as a mission support touch-point for Coast Guard operations within the northern 7th Coast Guard District, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with operational partners to ensure the delivery of professional, responsive and cost-effective services to the American public. Our large area of responsibility spans from the North Carolina/South Carolina border down to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Base Charleston is home to a variety of tenant commands.

Maritime Law Enforcement Academy

Southeast Regional Fisheries Training Center

Sector Charleston

Station Charleston

ANT Charleston

USCGC JAMES

USCGC HAMILTON

CGC WILLOW

USCGC CORMORANT

USCGC ANVIL

SFLC detachment

FASSO detachment

The Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building located in southeast Washington is shown from the aerial perspective of a Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter Aug. 21, 2015. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held July 29, 2013, which completed the first stage of the Department of Homeland Security consolidation project on the St. Elizabeths west campus.

GAO has made a report which basically says the current plan does not include goals and measures of effectiveness needed to determine if the modernization is doing what it is intended to do (see below).

I can see why that is the case, since the Coast Guard has eleven missions which are cross connected and constantly changing. How many SAR cases? How many alien migrants? How many drug runners are there? Will an oil well blow up? Will the Chinese fishing fleet enter the US EEZ in the Western Pacific?

Multi-purpose assets are continually reassigned due to changing priorities. Still I recall when the Coast Guard used to issue an annual performance report. Nevertheless, it seems DHS stopped the Coast Guard from making these reports after 2011 (as reported by GAO).

I would also think the “Fleet Mix Study” would be based on a set of goals that should be published, but the second and latest Fleet Mix Study has not been made public.

The Coast Guard has also never published a long term (20 or 30 year) fleet plan, as the Navy does, it seems at least annually, despite being directed by Congress to do this. Again this may have been held up in the Department.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention, 

What GAO Found

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Coast Guard leadership have made a case that the service needs transformation. Since 2019 GAO has reviewed four Coast Guard reform efforts and identified steps the service took to incorporate leading practices as well as gaps in key areas. For example, in prior reviews of Coast Guard sexual misconduct and modernization of mission planning and reserve component reform efforts, GAO found that the Coast Guard did not fully assess its workforce needs. Additionally, for two of the reform efforts, the Coast Guard did not fully establish goals and outcomes, making it difficult to determine if the reforms had the intended effects.

According to GAO’s review of Force Design 2028 foundational documents, the Coast Guard has taken some steps to implement leading practices in its current reform effort but gaps remain. For example, the service has assigned leaders to its reform efforts and focused on addressing long standing challenges, including workforce and technology and contracting and acquisitions. However, GAO’s review also found that certain goals are not well-defined. For example, the execution plan states that the service will delegate decision-authority to maximize mission impact. However, the document does not describe how the Coast Guard will measure this effort or know when it achieves its reform goals. Further, how proposed reforms align with Coast Guard missions is unclear, and there is no performance plan or other mechanism to assess the results.

The Coast Guard has received significant funding to carry out its modernization reform efforts. Therefore, incorporating leading practices throughout the duration of the Coast Guard’s reform efforts is important. Specifically, updating its foundational modernization documents and developing an evaluation plan and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of its actions would better ensure that Coast Guard management, Congress, and the public has the information needed to evaluate whether its actions—which are using billions of taxpayer dollars—are helping to mitigate identified challenges pertaining to the service’s organization, people, technology, and contracting and acquisitions.