USCGC Legare (WMEC 912) as seen underway for Eastern Pacific patrol in late 2021. The Legare crew patrolled over 12,650 nautical miles through the heart of the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Campaign Martillo working in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partnering nations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Hammack)

An interesting little post on the Coast Guard’s use of a Navy repair team, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest’s (FRCSW) Voyage Repair Team (VRT).

FRCSW’s VRT artisans repair at least one USCG vessel monthly. The next scheduled repair is in March to the USCG Legare (WMEC-912), also homeported at USCG Base Portsmouth.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz visits with Coast Guard crews stationed in New York City. U.S. Coast Guard photo illustration by Petty Officer 1st Class Jetta Disco.

Passing this along for those who may want to see it live. This announcement is aimed at providing information for the media and general public. An earlier announcement was aimed more toward active-duty members.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard Commandant to Deliver State of the
Coast Guard Address

Editor’s Note: Media attending must wear a mask and have a COVID vaccine card or negative test within the
last three days.

WHO: Adm. Karl L. Schultz, commandant of the United States Coast Guard
WHEN: 1- 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.
WHERE: Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, 15300 Fairchild Dr., Clearwater, FL 33701
WHAT: Media must RSVP at (305) 607-6347 or padettampabay@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. A
government-issued identification and media credentials are required for access to Air Station Clearwater. Media should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. to set up for the event.

CLEARWATER, Fla.— The commandant of the United States Coast Guard is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Coast Guard Address, Thursday, at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater. 

This event will be live-streamed at https://www.uscg.mil/alwaysready/ and on Facebook at https://Facebook.com/USCoastGuard at 1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST.

Adm. Karl L. Schultz will outline the Coast Guard’s role in a time of transformational change within the maritime domain. He will provide his vision for how the Service will respond to meet the Nation’s needs now and in the future. Adm. Schultz will accentuate the dedication and sacrifice of Coast Guard members stationed across the country and deployed around the world.
Adm. Schultz will further highlight the partnerships across the Department of Homeland Security organization, with the Department of Defense Joint Forces, inter-agencies and with our international partners that allow the Coast Guard to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

Additionally, Adm. Schultz is expected to feature stories of Coast Guard women and men who excelled in crisis, rescued mariners in distress, interdicted illicit narcotics, and responded to the Haiti Earthquake.

Media unable to attend may request a Zoom link to join the media call after the event. 

Detailed Schedule of Events:

1 – 2 p.m.: State of the Coast Guard address
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.: Adm. Schultz will be available for media interviews
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Displays and tours of Coast Guard assets will be available
3:45 – 4 p.m.: Media hub call for those unable to attend the event in-person

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

-USCG-

Photo from http://defence-blog.com/news/photos-charge-of-the-10000-ton-china-coast-guard-cutter.html

CIMSEC brings us a post about the dramatic growth of the China Coast Guard and the emergence of its Gray Zone Operations.

I don’t think you will find anything surprising here. The value of the piece is that it presents the views of knowledgeable bystander, without a vested interest in the South China Sea controversy, The author, “LTC Ahmed Mujuthaba was the Principal Director of the Maldives National Defense Force Coast Guard.”

NavyClippings brings us two reports of new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). These two are of a size between that of typical “Inshore Patrol Vessels” and OPVs. Neither has accommodations for a helicopter but both have two RHIBs. They are pretty close in size to USCG 210 foot WMECs, 210 ft 6 in (64.16 m) length over all (loa) with a 34 ft (10.36 m) beam.

First there is project Biro for the South African Navy. The three ships being built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) are 62×11 meter (203.4′ long, 36’1″ beam, Stan Patrol 6211 vessels), which have a maximum speed of 26.5 knots, a range of 4 000 nautical miles, endurance of 14 days, and a crew of up to 62 (core crew is 40).

Senegalese OPV 58S

The second class being built by French shipyard Piriou, will include three OPVs (with an option for a fourth).

The OPV 58S offshore patrol vessels for Senegal are 62 metres long, 9.5 metres wide and have a maximum draft of 2.9 metres. They have steel hulls and aluminium superstructures with a 360 degree panoramic bridge, a rapid deployment/recovery system for two boats and be each able to accommodate up to 48 people, including 24 crew members. Top speed is 21 knots with a range of 4 500 miles at 12 knots, for a 25 day endurance.

The MBDA Marte Mk 2Ns anti-ship cruise missiles which would be in the canisters visible between the 76mm gun and the bridge are a bit smaller than most missiles of this type.

The Coast Guard and U.S. Navy use controlled explosive dredging techniques to clear roughly 10,000 square-feet taking approximately 6,500 pounds of explosives to clear from December 4-8, 2021. The Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia carried members from the Navy’s Underwater Construction Team Two (UCT-2) to widen the shoal channel which had narrowed due to marine overgrowth. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia)

Below is a D14 news release. This is just a bit more evidence we are taking our commitments to Pacific Island nations under the Compacts of Free Association seriously. Given their needs, the US Coast Guard has a huge role to play including assistance with Aids to Navigation and fisheries protection.

Coast Guard and Navy complete channel widening in Federated States of Micronesia

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

SANTA RITA, Guam – Crews from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Forces Micronesia | Sector Guam improves navigation safety in Kapingamarangi Atoll.

The Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia carried members from the Navy’s Underwater Construction Team Two (UCT-2) to widen the shoal channel from December 4-8, 2021, which had narrowed due to marine overgrowth.

In close coordination with FSM National Government, Pohnpei State, and Kapingamarangi Atoll leaders, the Coast Guard and Navy teams used controlled explosive dredging techniques. The targeted area for removal was roughly 10,000 square-feet and took approximately 6,500 pounds of explosives to clear over the course of 4 days.

“I am proud of the efforts of our crew and the UCT-2 crew in completing this challenging mission,” said Cmdr. Ryan Adams, commanding officer of the Sequoia. “This channel widening will allow merchant vessels to more easily navigate the island, which will provide vital supplies to more than 300 residents who call Kapingamarangi home.”

“The United States and the FSM share a special and unique bond. It is through this friendship that we were all able to accomplish this mission. The widening of the channel will now improve accessibility for commerce and emergency situations especially when responding to natural disasters,” said U.S. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor. “We know how important this channel is to the lives of the people of Kapingamarangi. As with all citizens of the FSM, we share an enduring partnership and look forward to continuing collaboration going forward.”

Additionally, crewmembers from the Sequoia and the UCT-2 detachment delivered approximately 1,700 gallons of bottled drinking water to the residents of Kapingamarangi while deployed to the island. The water was provided by the Ayuda Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Guam.

All water was delivered to a remote drop site under a no-contact policy due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, speaks at the Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Dailey commissioning ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss. Coast Guard Photo

Below is an announcement from MyCG. I have reproduced it in full.

Sea Waves Magazine provides Eagle’s schedule of cruises and port calls for the next nine months.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention. 

Below is a news release from Eastern Shipbuilding Group:

PANAMA CITY, FL – On Thursday, January 20th, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) announced the completion of a new, state-of-the-art aluminum superstructure fabrication and assembly hall at its Nelson Street Shipyard. This major infrastructure project further optimizes ESG’s Nelson Street Facility to support multi-hull production for the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program for which ESG serves as the prime contractor. The $5 million facility was funded through the Triumph Gulf Coast economic development program.

“The construction of this new facility manifests our commitment to provide the country a long-term industrial capability that can build the most exceptional national security assets on schedule and on budget. Every day we employ the highest quality craftmanship to incorporate the finest materials and equipment in these vessels to ensure USCG mission success along our country’s many coastlines. Construction of fabrication capabilities like this new facility, enhance our capabilities while reducing cost and schedule risk. I thank Triumph board members across the panhandle and their staff, as well as area leaders for their investments in support of the USCG OPC program here in Panama City,” said Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

The aluminum fabrication facility, with significant crane capacity and hook height, along with a heavily reinforced high-strength concrete slab flooring system and large sliding entryway doors, was specifically designed to support full construction of the OPC aluminum superstructure from fabrication through assembly and outfitting in a covered and controlled environment. The facility is sized to enhance ESG’s ability to support the peak production rate of delivering two OPCs per year and is part of ESG’s commitment to upgrade and tailor their USCG-dedicated Nelson Street Shipyard to meet the needs of the USCG’s future medium endurance cutter fleet.

The facility was commissioned in a ceremony with leaders of the United States Coast Guard Project Resident Office and local, state and Triumph Gulf Coast officials in attendance.

“The City of Panama City is proud to collaborate with the State of Florida, Triumph Gulf Coast, our neighbors in Bay County and the school board in partnering with Eastern Shipbuilding Group to continue supporting the Offshore Patrol Cutter program for the long term. We believe our community is unmatched anywhere in the country to support the U.S. Coast Guard. We commend Eastern Shipbuilding Group for bringing jobs and opportunities to the region and for the transformative work it’s accomplished since the hurricane. It is the best shipyard to build the OPCs,” said Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki.

“Triumph Gulf Coast is pleased to have partnered with the City of Panama City and Eastern Shipbuilding to provide the new aluminum fabrication building that it is so important to the success of the USCG OPC contract. It is an honor to have a role in supporting our military and we hope to continue to support those that protect our nation through partnerships here in Bay County and across our entire region,” said Ben Lee, Triumph Board Member.

In addition to enhanced capabilities, the new hurricane hardened building is built to the latest stringent Florida building codes. The original building was destroyed by Hurricane Michael in 2018. Over the last three years, ESG has fully rebuilt its operational facilities with insurance proceeds and has also made infrastructure expansion investments from $50 million in state appropriations and economic development grants. The company has recently completed launch way upgrades, upland bulkhead upgrades, construction platen expansions, waterway deepening projects and has many more improvement projects underway as part of its commitment to provide a dedicated facility that is optimized for construction of the Offshore Patrol Cutter. At its Allanton Shipyard, ESG has constructed a state-of-the-art C5ISR Production Facility to accomplish testing and integration of operational combat systems, equipment, and simulators on premises prior to final installation on the vessel. ESG will continue to improve its facilities as part of its focused vision to support the USCG’s highest acquisition priority with shipbuilding excellence.

The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) and the USS Tulsa (LCS 16) conduct a passing exercise in the Pacific, April 3, 2021. The Kimball was underway conducting an expeditionary patrol which covered approximately 20,000 nautical miles. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball)

The Surface Navy Association is holding their 34th National Symposium at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, January 11-13, 2022. The theme will be “The Competitive Edge.”

There does not seem to be too much Coast Guard specific content until Wednesday. The only Coast Guard representative I see on the schedule, prior to Wednesday is CMC Devin Spencer, USCG, Command Master Chief, Atlantic Area, scheduled for the Enlisted Roundtable on Tuesday, 0830-1015.

Wednesday, we have:

• 0730-0850 Future of the Enlisted Sailor: A Leadership Conversation with MCPON Russ Smith, USN, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and MCPOCG Jason Vanderhaden, USCG, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
• 1400 – 1450 Coast Guard Keynote with ADM Karl Schultz the Commandant.
• 1500 – 1630 Coast Guard Cutterman’s Call, Moderators: VADM Steven Poulin, USCG, Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area (A) and MCPOCG Jason M. Vanderhaden, USCG, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

There should be lots of interesting exhibits.