Adm. Linda Fagan relieves Adm. Karl Schultz as the 27th commandant of the Coast Guard during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard headquarters June 1, 2022. Fagan is the first woman service chief of any U.S. military service. U.S. COAST GUARD / Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Magee

The Navy League’s on line magazine reported on yesterday’s change of command ceremony.

It is a land mark event that a woman has become commandant, but it was also significant that the President chose to be at the event. This may be seen as an exploitation of the novelty of the transition, but it also seems to reflect the increased visibility of the Coast Guard in national security affairs.

Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) sales alongside the Indian coast guard ships Abheed and Shaurya (16) Aug. 23, 2019, while transiting in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Chennai, India. The Stratton is participating in a professional exchange with the Indian coast guard that includes operational exercises at sea and on shore. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephen Esterly)

Time to learn a new acronym, IPMDA, Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness.

The Maritime Executive reports,

The Quadrilateral Security Alliance (Quad), a loose defense cooperation group composed of the U.S., India, Australia and Japan, plans to introduce a joint satellite-based tracking system aimed squarely at Chinese illegal fishing.

Real Clear Defense has another view, ““Black Ships,” the Quad and Space.”

A Whitehouse “FACT SHEET: Quad Leaders’ Tokyo Summit 2022” leads of with discussion of the IPMDA. Quoting,

The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness  

At the Tokyo Summit, the Quad leaders will welcome a major maritime initiative: the Indo-Pacific  Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). In close consultations with regional partners, IPMDA will offer a near-real-time, integrated, and cost-effective maritime domain awareness picture. This initiative will transform the ability of partners in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region to fully monitor the waters on their shores and, in turn, to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad countries are committed to contributing to the region’s maritime domain awareness—a fundamental requirement for peace, stability, and prosperity—through an investment in IPMDA over five years. The partnership will innovate upon existing maritime domain awareness efforts, rapidly bringing emerging technologies to bear for the greater good of the Indo-Pacific community.

IPMDA will build a faster, wider, and more accurate maritime picture of near-real-time activities in partners’ waters. This common operating picture will integrate three critical regions—the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region—in the Indo-Pacific. The benefits of this picture are vast: it will allow tracking of “dark shipping” and other tactical-level activities, such as rendezvous at sea, as well as improve partners’ ability to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies. IPMDA will do so by:

• Harnessing commercially-available data using existing technologies. Through a combination of Automatic Identification System and radio-frequency technologies, Quad partners can provide an unprecedented “common thread” of activities. Because of its commercial origin, this data will be unclassified, allowing the Quad to provide it to a wide range of partners who wish to benefit.                 
• Extending support for information-sharing across existing regional fusion centers, such as the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region, based in India; the Information Fusion Center, based in Singapore; the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, based in the Solomon Islands, and the Pacific Fusion Center, based in Vanuatu, both of which receive support from Australia.

Quad partners will begin immediate consultations on this opportunity with partners in the region. As the initiative proceeds, the Quad will identify future technologies of promise, allowing IPMDA to remain a cutting-edge partnership that promotes peace and stability throughout the region. 

More on the Quad here.

If this works, similar systems should be extended over the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific as well. In addition to countering Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) fishing, such systems have potential for SAR, MEP, interdiction of smuggling activities, counter piracy, disaster response, and sanctions enforcement.

In wartime such systems would have significant implications for Naval Control of Shipping and might alert us to sinkings. Access to this information would, of course, also be useful to our enemies seeking to target ships. Presumably there is planning for these eventualities.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention.

USS Zephyr (PC 8) and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Pacific personnel, conducting operations in support of JIATF-S Operation Martillo. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Casey J. Hopkins

Texas Public Radio has a report, “A surge in Navy deserters could be a sign of a bigger problem for the military,” that also references recent suicides in the Navy. I would note that, based on their reporting, there has been no comparable surge in other armed services, and there is good news from the Coast Guard.

“But other branches of the military didn’t see a similar increase in the past three years.Desertions in the Army dropped by 47%, from 328 in 2019 to 174 in 2021, and the Marine Corps reported 59 in 2019 and 31 in 2021. The Coast Guard said it didn’t record a single deserter between 2019 and 2021.”

I would also point out, that 157 desertions out of over 340,000 active duty members is still a pretty smaller percentage (<0.046%, about one out of 2,178), only a little worse than the Army’s much improved 2021 figures, and actually much better than the Army’s 2019 figures.

The TPR report is really using this “surge” as basis for discussing the lack of early out options. While we don’t want to spend a lot of money training someone for a high paying civilian job and then release him or her as soon as they go to a job where their boss actually expects them to do their job, there are times when early separation is good for the service.

Early in my career, it was the Vietnam era. Many enlisted in the Coast Guard, not because they wanted to be there, but because it was a way to avoid the draft. The Ocean Station program was ending, so the Coast Guard decided to decommission many of its larger ships and to truncate the WHEC 378 program at 12 instead of the planned 36. The resulting downsizing meant there would be a large reduction in force. We took advantage of this by early, many times compulsary, separation of many trouble makers and poor performers. It always seemed 90% of our personnel problems were caused by fewer than 10% of our people. This purge had a wonderful effect.

Got this as an email, am passing it along. Thought some might be interested in signing up. Others might just be pleased to see the effort being made to keep the troops informed. 

I don’t expect to post these on a regular basis. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Below, please find the key announcements and updates from this week. As part of our continual efforts to inform, support, and inspire our workforce, commands are encouraged to share this information with all hands. To receive the All Hands Briefer (AHB) directly, please follow the directions provided below the Calendar section. NEWS  Fagan confirmed as next Coast Guard Commandant Recruitment Campaign! Here’s your chance to grow the Coast Guard’s workforce Hiring and retention bonuses for operational specialists Enlisted members: Here’s what you need to know for the upcoming assignment year  Action required: Civilian GS employees and supervisors must complete their ePerformance plan by May 31 FSMS: Weekly progress report from the Incident Command SUPPORT  Did you know? If you received a PCS Travel Advance, you still may be owed money TSP: There’s now an app for that Learn about prevention assignments during upcoming OPM virtual roadshow  Q&A: A conversation with a civil rights complaint manager Early intervention is the best way to prevent suicide—the main message for Mental Health Awareness Month   INSPIRATION  Abbi McCracken named Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year for the Coast Guard The Long Blue Line: Samuel Amalu and Manuel Ferriera—Hawaiian Keepers of the Light Frontline Focus: Coast Guard medevacs crew member from fishing vessel, and more CGA Graduation: Future Leaders 2022 Commandant’s message on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month     CALENDAR A CAC might be required to access some links. To add a solicitation or event, please e-mail MyCG@uscg.mil.  18 MAY: Nominations due for National Defense Transportation Association Award 19 MAY: Change of Watch ceremony for MCPOCG and MCPO-CGR 20 MAY: Nominations due for John J. Jaskot Governmental Affairs Officer of the Year Award 26-31 MAY: CG Gaming Esports Competition 31 MAY: Deadline for the Ideas@Work Challenge on prioritizing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear readiness. 01 JUN: U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Change of Command 01 JUN: Nominations for CAPT Edward R. Williams Coast Guard Award for Excellence in Diversity 03 JUN: Nominations due for Rescue at Sea 2022 Awards 03-05 JUN: Tom’s Run 15 JUN: Nominations due for Excellence in Safety Award 28 JUN: Nominations due for 2022 Latina Style Distinguished Military Service Award 25-29 JUL: 50th Annual National Naval Officers Association Leadership, Development, and Training Symposium 07-11 AUG: CPOA and CGEA National Conventions 15 AUG: Nominations due for Maritime Security and Response Operations Excellence awards  Upcoming Officer Personnel Management Virtual Outreach Sessions For details, please see ALCGOFF 007/22  25 MAY: Afloat Assignments 08 JUN: Intel/DCMS and Cyberspace Assignments 22 JUN: Aviation Assignments 20 JUL: Chief Warrant Officer Assignments  Very Respectfully, Coast Guard Office of Public Affairs (CG-0922) 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast, Stop 7103 Washington, D.C., 20593-7103    Questions for the MyCG Team?    Contact Us SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes.

Cdr Salamander posted the video above with comments. I felt I had to share it.

Icebreaking Anchor Handling Vessel Aiviq

Maritime Executive reports,

The U.S. Coast Guard released a formal request for information seeking to identify U.S.-built commercial icebreakers that might be available for purchase. With promises of funding from the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress, the Department of Homeland Security published on May 3, the request for information as the first step in the possible purchase of a vessel to bridge the gap until the newly built polar security cutters, which are behind schedule, are commissioned and available for service late this decade.

We knew there would be such an attempt to find an available icebreaker, but look at the specs.

“…USCG is now seeking to identify commercial vessels that are available for purchase in 2023 or 2024. To meet the request the vessels must not only have been built in a U.S. shipyard but must have PC3 or higher classification and the capability of breaking at least three feet of ice ahead at a continuous speed of three knots. Further, it must have at least 15 years of original design service life remaining and be capable of operations for a minimum of 60 days without resupply. Other specifications include a maximum draft of 29 feet and a landing area of Coast Guard helicopters.”

There cannot be many, there may be only one, there may be none.

If we do find such a vessel, it will probably take some work to bring it up to Coast Guard standards for communications and helicopter operations.

If nothing else, it might fill the perceived need for a second Great Lakes Icebreaker.

Thanks to Paul for bring this to my attention. 

The Philippine News Agency has announced that Hyundai has been selected to build six Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Philippine Navy. There isn’t much detail about how they are to be equipped. The list below are just options. A length of 81 meters works out to 266 feet.

This does mean Turkey will not be building OPVs for the Philippines. The acquisition process does seem to have been a bit convoluted. Initially Austal in the Philippines was expected to build this class.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan McManus, a student in the Cold Water Ice Diving (CWID) course, treads water on Ferrell Lake, located on Camp Ripley, Feb. 3, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Fontenette)

Military.com has a story about the Coast Guard’s “Cold Water Ice Diving” (CWID) training program, which is also used by DOD divers, that may be of interest.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention. 

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro, a 418-foot national security cutter, and its small boat transit the Gulf of Mexico, February 12, 2017. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard

Just a news release, but an interesting one, about an increasingly common type of operation. Fiji has an interesting history, take a look.

PR people, please stop reminding everyone that Munro was, “the only Coast Guardsman awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.” Other Coast Guardsmen should have received the same recognition. Say he was a Medal of Honor recipient and briefly outline what he did, that he was killed in action rescuing Marines from an ambush on Guadalcanal.

Coast Guard Cutter Munro visits Suva, Fiji, hosts shipriders during Operation Blue Pacific

Editors’ Note: Click on images to download a high-resolution version.

SUVA, Fiji – The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro visited the Port of Suva, Fiji April 20-24, as part of Operation Blue Pacific. Prior to the port call, five Fijian shipriders representing Fiji’s Immigration Department, Ministry of Fisheries, Revenue and Customs, as well as the Fiji Navy, worked alongside the Munro’s crew to conduct fisheries boardings in Fijian waters.

During the port call, Munro’s crew hosted military and government officials from both Fiji and the U.S. during a media engagement and reception. Capt. Blake Novak, Munro’s commanding officer, visited the FMSRCC, Republic of Fiji Navy, that manages maritime surveillance and search and rescue coordination in the region. Munro crew members volunteered alongside Fiji Navy members at a local eldercare facility. Munro’s crew hosted hosted Fiji Navy members and other partners for a barbeque and ship tour Saturday. Shared interagency recreational activities during the port call included both soccer and rugby matches, and a waterfall hike.

USCGC Munro (WMSL 755) departed from Alameda, California in late March for a multi-month deployment to the South Pacific. The deployment aims to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated, (IUU) fishing and strengthen relationships to enhance maritime sovereignty and security throughout the region.  Operation Blue Pacific’s focus is to lead and promote international efforts that uphold the principles of security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania through operations and engagements to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In November 2018, Fiji became the latest nation to sign a shiprider agreement, which allows partnering nations’ defense and law enforcement officers to embark on U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy vessels to observe, protect, board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within their exclusive economic zones or on the high seas.

Fiji has an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of around 1.3 million square kilometers.  It is difficult to protect Fiji’s sovereign rights for fishing and other economic activities over such a vast area of sea.  The shiprider program gives Fiji another tool to patrol and protect its sovereign waters.

The shiprider agreement allows cooperation between both nations to protect the fishing industry and Fijian sovereignty. This will also contribute to regional stability.

The Coast Guard is committed not only to the American people and its national interests, but also other nations, including Fiji and other the Pacific Island Countries, whose governments may be threatened or weakened by rival powers that challenge rules-based international order through inter-state aggression, economic coercion, maritime hybrid warfare, gray zone activities, and overreaching territorial claims.

As part of the U.S. National Security Strategy, the U.S. is committed to advancing a peaceful, free and open Indo-Pacific.

“We are pleased to work with Fiji to combat IUU fishing,” said Novak. “Working together, we were able to share technical expertise and ideas on how to improve safety, risk management and develop case packages for evidence preservation. IUU has replaced piracy as the leading global maritime security threat. Systemic disregard to IUU fishing normalizes illegal behavior and erodes governance structures that foster peace and stability.”

Through Operation Blue Pacific, the Coast Guard aims to strengthen relationships with like-minded nations.  Our shared efforts will improve maritime governance within Oceania, increase capacity for bilateral search-and-rescue and law enforcement and promote shared technical expertise and proficiency.

The Coast Guard combats illegal fishing and other maritime threats across the Pacific. Combating illegal fishing is part of promoting maritime governance and a rules-based international order that is essential to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Munro was the second U.S. Coast Guard cutter to visit Fiji this year, after Coast Guard Cutter Stratton.

Commissioned in 2017, Munro is one of four Coast Guard legend class national security cutters homeported in Alameda. National security cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90 days and can hold a crew of up to 170. Munro is the second cutter named for Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, the only Coast Guardsman awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Just passing this along since it is easily missed on the CG-9 web site. 

USCG 2022 Virtual Reverse Industry Day
Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
Time: Noon to 4 p.m. ET

Join the U.S. Coast Guard for the 2022 Virtual Reverse Industry Day, where we will be discussing topics that emphasize the importance of early engagement with industry to improve the quality of our requirements and increase the efficiency of our procurement process.

• Session I:  Acquisition Planning – Early Industry Engagement/Program Management Office Access
• Session II:  Developing Clear and Achievable Requirements
• Session III:  Source Selection Debriefings

This event is being held in partnership with the Small and Emerging Contractors Forum (SECAF).  SECAF is an industry association that assists small businesses with growth strategies and provides a collaborative business network to help solve common challenges.

Registrants will receive an MS Teams meeting link prior to the event. The link will be sent to the email provided during registration, so please be sure that the information is correct. The deadline to register is April 27.

Click here to register.

For additional information, send an email to the Small Business and Industry Engagement team at openforbusiness@uscg.mil.