Mexican OPV ARM Revolucion (P-164)

Word of an upcoming SOUTHCOM exercise in the Caribbean. The US Coast Guard will undoubtably participate. Mexico is coordinating the Naval portion of the exercise which will include law enforcement and humanitarian assistance/disaster response (HA/DR).

In many ways the Mexican Navy parallels the US Coast Guard. If you would like to check out some of their resources, these previous posts may be of interest.

• How much would it cost to weaponize a cutter? (re Mexico’s “Long Range Patrol Vessel”/corvette), January 2018
• Mexican Navy’s New Helicopters, December 2017
• Mexican Navy OPVs, August 2016
• Mexico takes delivery of MPA–Their Version of HC-144, November 2011
• Tenochtitlan-class patrol vessel (Wikipedia)

Admiral Linda L. Fagan

Below is a news release reporting the nominations for Commandant and Vice Commandant. Below that I have reproduced their official biographies. You may note their career paths. They are respectively a marine inspector and a lawyer. I am a bit surprised neither is either a cutterman or an aviator. I was impressed with Admiral Fagan’s innovative pairing of buoy tender and fast response cutter to do long range law enforcement in the Western Pacific. Both served as 1st District Commander. Both served in Joint Commands, Adm Fagan as Deputy Director of Operations for Northern Command, and VAdm. Poulin as Southern Command’s Director of Operations

MULTIMEDIA RELEASE: Admiral Linda L. Fagan Nominated to be First Woman to Serve as
Commandant of the Coast Guard

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden nominated Adm. Linda L. Fagan to serve as the 27^th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon confirmation, Adm. Fagan will be the first woman to serve as Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Adm. Fagan currently serves as the 32^nd Vice Commandant, having assumed the duties on June 18, 2021. The Vice Commandant is the Vice Service Chief and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for executing the Commandant’s Strategic Intent, managing internal organizational governance, and serving as the Component Acquisition Executive.

Previously, Adm. Fagan served as Commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area overseeing operations from the Rocky Mountains to the waters off the East Coast of Africa. The Pacific Area Commander concurrently serves as Commander, Defense Force West providing Coast Guard mission support to the Department of Defense and Combatant Commanders. Adm. Fagan is the Coast Guard’s first-ever Gold Ancient Trident, as the officer with the longest service record in the Marine Safety field.

Pending confirmation, Adm. Fagan is expected to relieve the current Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Karl L. Schultz, during a change of command ceremony planned for June 1, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Adm. Schultz will retire following the change of command this summer.

“Admiral Fagan is an exceptional senior Coast Guard officer and nominee, possessing the keen intellect, the depth of operational experience, and the well-honed leadership and managerial acumen to serve with distinction as our Service’s 27^th Commandant,” said Adm. Schultz.

Adm. Fagan has selected and the president has nominated Vice Adm. Steven D. Poulin as the Coast Guard’s 33^rd Vice Commandant. Vice Adm. Poulin currently serves as the Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area and is responsible for all Coast Guard Missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. The Atlantic Area Commander concurrently serves as Commander, Coast Guard Defense Force East providing Coast Guard mission support to the Department of Defense and Combatant Commanders.

Pending confirmation, Vice Adm. Poulin is expected to relieve Adm. Fagan as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard during a change of watch ceremony planned for May 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C.

She reports to Coast Guard Headquarters from a tour as the Commander, Pacific Area, and Commander, Coast Guard Defense Force West.  Prior flag assignments include Deputy Commandant for Operations, Policy, and Capability; Commander, First Coast Guard District; and a joint assignment as Deputy Director of Operations for Headquarters, United States Northern Command.

Admiral Fagan has served on all seven continents, from the snows of Ross Island, Antarctica to the heart of Africa, from Tokyo to Geneva, and in many ports along the way. Operational tours include Commander, Sector New York, more than 15 years as a Marine Inspector, and sea duty in USCGC POLAR STAR, a 399ft heavy polar icebreaker.  Staff assignments include Executive Assistant to the Commandant and Vice Commandant, and Division Chief of the Foreign and Offshore Compliance Office.

Possessing extensive interagency as well as intergovernmental experience, Admiral Fagan has worked with both the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization on flag state and port state issues. This work includes the development of the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS), and the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention.

Admiral Fagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science in Marine Affairs degree from the University of Washington, and a Master in National Resource Strategy degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. She has earned numerous personal and team awards during her 36 years of Coast Guard service.  Admiral Fagan is the longest serving active duty Marine Safety Officer, which has earned her the distinction of being the Coast Guard’s first-ever Gold Ancient Trident.

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Vice Admiral Steven D. Poulin

Vice Admiral Steven D. Poulin, Atlantic Area Commander

Vice Admiral Poulin assumed the duties as the Atlantic Area Commander in June 2020. He serves as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. In addition to his duties at Atlantic Area, he serves as Commander, Coast Guard Defense Force East, which provides Coast Guard mission support to the Department of Defense and Combatant Commanders. He also has been appointed as Director, Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Force – East, responsible for achieving the objectives of the DHS Southern Border and Approaches Campaign Plan, along with, coordination and synchronization of cross-component operations and investigations in the joint operating area.

Vice Admiral Poulin previously served as U.S. Southern Command’s Director of Operations, directing U.S. military operations across the Caribbean Basin plus Central and South America. Previously, he was Commander of the First Coast Guard District where he directed all Coast Guard missions across eight states in the Northeast, including over 2,000 miles of coastline from the U.S. – Canadian border to northern New Jersey and 1,300nm offshore.

Vice Admiral Poulin’s other flag assignments include the Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard, where he was responsible for the delivery of all legal services in support of the Coast Guard’s missions, its units and its people. From June 2012 to April 2014, Vice Admiral Poulin served as the Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, where he was responsible for external engagement with Congress, the media and other intergovernmental entities.

From October 2010 to June 2012, Vice Admiral Poulin served as the Chief, Office of Maritime and International Law. From April 2009 to July 2010, he was the Commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile, where he directed Coast Guard operations in Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle. He further served as the Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response operations in that same geographic area from April to October 2010. His previous operational tours include Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Sector Mobile; Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Group Galveston, TX; and Law Enforcement Officer and Assistant Operations Officer at Coast Guard Group Mobile, AL. He was assigned as a Deck Watch Officer on USCG DAUNTLESS (WMEC-624) from 1984 to 1985. Vice Admiral Poulin was also a Special Advisor for Border and Transportation Security in the Office of Vice President Cheney from 2005 to 2007. From 2003 to 2004, he was the Coast Guard’s liaison to the State Department’s Office of Ocean Affairs, where he served on U.S. delegations to myriad committees of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He was the Legal Counsel for the Coast Guard’s Port Security Director from 2002-2003, where he helped negotiate, draft, and implement new port and maritime security requirements. From 1999-2001, he served as the Legislative Counsel in the Coast Guard’s Office of Congressional Affairs. He also served on the U.S. delegation to the Legal Committee of the IMO, from 1994-1996. From 1992-1994, he was assigned to the Coast Guard’s General Law Division.

He graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He was awarded his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992. Other degrees include: Master of Law (Environmental Law), with highest honors, from the George Washington University Law School in 2002; Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2005; and Master of Public Administration from the University of South Alabama in 1989. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Coast Guard Commendation Medal (three awards), and Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

Indonesian Maritime Security Agency vessel KN Tanjung Datu, left, sails alongside U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton during joint exercises in the Singapore Strait in August 2019. IMAGE CREDIT: PO1 LEVI READ/USCG

Announcement by Pacific Area regarding a significant international conference.

 MEDIA ADVISORY: US, Philippine Coast Guard representatives available for media interviews about maritime law enforcement forum in Guam

• Who: Rear Adm. Peter W. Gautier, deputy commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, and Rear Adm. Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, commander, Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command 
• What: Available for interviews regarding ongoing Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Forum 
• When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Apr 6 
• Where: Dusit Thani Guam Resort, 1227 Pale San Vitores Road, Tumon, Guam 96913 

Editor’s note: Media planning to attend must RSVP by emailing lauren.l.jorgensen@uscg.mil no later than 1 p.m. Monday, April 4. The availability is limited to in-person interviews. Arrival instructions will be provided upon RSVP.  

TUMON, Guam – Senior leaders and policy makers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam are gathering virtually and in person in Tumon, Guam, this week to collaborate and expand maritime law enforcement partnerships. 

Together, the U.S. Coast Guard and Philippine Coast Guard are co-hosting the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative Commanders’ Forum Tuesday through Thursday.  

Rear Adm. Peter W. Gautier and Rear Adm. Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, representing the U.S. and Philippine Coast Guards respectively, will be available at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning for interviews about the forum with interested media. 

The intent of the annual forum is to enhance regional stability by promoting maritime safety, security cooperation, coordination and information sharing. This year, the forum is focused on counter drug trafficking; Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fisheries; and the strategic use of maritime domain awareness tools to counter these and other transnational security threats.  

Naval News reports on a concept that could easily be adapted to Coast Guard patrol craft.

The report refers to this as a novel concept, but in fact, the concept of surface craft employing sprint and drift tactics with dipping sonars and ASW torpedoes was widely employed by the Soviet Union. See the, Mirka, Petya, Grisha, Pauk, and Poti class corvettes, and Turya class. These classes amounted to about 300 vessels, so the practice of employing dipping sonars on surface vessels is not a new or unique idea.

The Soviet era ships used high or medium frequency dipping sonars. The new low frequency capable technology applied to dipping sonars like the AN/AQS-22 advanced airborne low-frequency sonar (ALFS) used on the USN MH-60R ASW helicopter, has made the concept much more viable.

Basically the idea is to employ the tactics of ASW helicopters using relatively fast surface craft. Because of the range and seakeeping of the craft, this not a trans-oceanic escort strategy, but it can be effective at sanitizing choke points, harbor entrances, or other fixed areas of interest. The vessels work in teams with one or two vessels stopped, drifting and holding contact while other vessels sprint to a new position to hold contact or attack.

IMAGE CREDIT: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

A report from NORTHCOM’s on-line magazine, “The Watch” reveals just how heavily armed some criminal organizations may be.

The total amount of material seized in the Sonora raids was 2.83 million rounds, 14,722 magazines and 128 rifles of different calibers, authorities said. There were also six .50-caliber sniper rifles and 19 machine guns, of which at least 16 appeared to be belt-fed, they said.

A screen grab of a video shared on social media of the Berdyansk port fire. via CNN

CNN reports Ukrainian claims to have destroyed the Russian Alligator class LST Orsk.  Two other Russian landing ships were damaged. My contact in Ukraine tells me the hit was by a Soviet era Tochka U missile, NATO reporting name SS-21 Scarab (no confirmation of course).

The crews of U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) and the Colombian navy OPV-80 offshore patrol vessel ARC Victoria (PZE-48) conduct passing exercises in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Dec. 4, 2021. The U.S. and Columbia have signed agreements on trade, environmental protection, asset sharing, chemical control, ship-boardings, renewable and clean energy, science and technology, and civil aviation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Kearney)

Defense One reports that it appears Colombia will soon become the US’s third “major non-NATO ally” in South America (after Argentina and Brazil).

“Colombia will bring the total to 19 countries that get access to increased collaboration on the development of defense technologies; privileged access to the U.S. defense industry; increased joint military exchanges, exercises, and training; special access to military equipment financing; and more.

The other major non-NATO allies are Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Tunisia.”

What major non-NATO ally means is explained here.

I am a bit surprised Chile and Mexico are not on the list. Maybe time to remove Afghanistan from the list.

Coast Guard Cutters Emlen Tunnell and Glen Harris are moored pierside in Beirut, Lebanon, Jan. 31, 2022. The two fast response 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 Cpl. DeAndre Dawkins.

Defense Daily reports,

“An omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2022 would add $130 million for two Coast Guard fast response cutters (FRCs), continuing the program beyond its planned buy of 64 vessels…”

This is not too surprising considering the frequently sighted need for additional Coast Guard resources in the Western Pacific. This will probably allow the Coast Guard to place two of the cutters in American Samoa. These two additional vessels are part of a option for up to twelve vessels that will expire May 2023. I am a bit surprised Congress did not choose to buy more than two. Presumably that option will still be open for a bit more than a year.

Thanks to Lee for bringing this to my attention.

Photo of a model of Halter Marine’s Polar Security Cutter seen at Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exhibition have surfaced. Photo credit Chris Cavas.

Just passing this along for those who might not normally get the word. Should be some interesting information coming out of the expo less than a month from now.

R 102106Z MAR 22 MID200001573619U FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC TO ALCOAST BT UNCLAS ALCOAST 082/22 SSIC 5700 SUBJ: 2022 SEA-AIR-SPACE (SAS) GLOBAL MARITIME EXPOSITION 1. The annual Sea-Air-Space (SAS) Global Maritime Exposition will be held 04-06 April 2022 at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, located in National Harbor, MD. SAS was founded in 1965 as a means to bring the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector United States companies and military leaders together for an annual educational, innovative, and professional event located in the heart of Washington, DC. Sea-Air-Space is now the largest maritime exposition in the U.S. and continues as an invaluable extension of the Navy League’s mission of maritime policy, education, and sea service support. 2. This year’s exposition will feature U.S. Coast Guard senior leaders participating in panel discussions on the Arctic domain readiness; Indo-Pacific security strategy; cybersecurity; women’s leadership; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; energy and climate response; and more. This event will provide USCG participants’ professional development opportunities with the most up-to-date information regarding the current state of the defense industry, as well as a vision of the future. Dynamic luncheon and keynote speakers will provide members an open forum to fully disclose up-to-the-minute information relevant to CG missions which will improve CG processes and ensure we set the conditions for a better CG future. 3. In conjunction with Sea-Air-Space 2022, the annual Navy League STEM Expo will also be at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center on Sunday, 03 April. Anyone attending SAS is welcome at the STEM Expo. 4. Subject to command approval, attendance is allowed at no cost to the government. Supervisors should ensure attendance aligns with an employee’s primary duties. Employees who wish to attend for personal interests may use annual leave, accrued compensatory time off or earned credit hours (if available), or leave without pay. Commands outside the National Capital Region may submit no-cost permissive orders for military members who attend. 5. Registration information and exposition details are available on the SAS website: (Copy and Paste Below URL into Browser) www.seaairspace.org 6. There is no charge to attend SAS for Coast Guard military members or Coast Guard civilian employees. 7. A shuttle will run from Coast Guard Headquarters to SAS and back regularly Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the exposition. The shuttle schedule, parking rates, and other logistical details are available on the SAS website. 8. Uniform is Tropical Blue or equivalent for uniformed attendees and professional business attire for civilians. 9. The COMDT (CG-0923) POC is LCDR Emily Brockway, 202-372-4602, Emily.H.Brockway@uscg.mil. 10. RDML M. M. Dean, Director, Governmental and Public Affairs (CG-092), sends. 11. Internet release is authorized.

Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Sumner, a Maritime Enforcement Specialist at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco, holds K9 Feco at the Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery and Distinguished Service Medal Ceremony March 9, 2022 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Sumner is K9 Feco’s handler and trainer at the Canine Explosive Detection Team at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kimberly Reaves)

Had to pass this along. I note the dog is a Chief and the handler is a First Class, so the Dog out ranks the handler?

Alameda-based Coast Guard K-9 recognized with Distinguished Service Medal

Editor’s Note: Click on images above to download full-resolution version.

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Coast Guard K-9 Chief Feco, a 9-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, stationed at Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team San Francisco, was presented the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Members of Congress recognized and honored six animal heroes for their accomplishments in both war and peace at the second annual Animals in War and Peace Medal Ceremony.

The ceremony highlights America’s appreciation of the sacrifices and heroism of American animals who served the United States and advances the effort toward the creation of an annual process to nominate animals for the Medal of Bravery and Distinguished Service Medal.

Feco joined the Coast Guard in late 2014 and is stationed at the Marine Safety and Security Team San Francisco K-9 Unit where his main responsibility is explosives detection at the Ports of San Francisco and Oakland.

Feco has participated in 1,467 events. Notable events include:

• Presidential security details for former President Barack Obama
• Judicial and Supreme Court security details
• 2016 Summer Olympic Track & Field Trials
• The National Football League Superbowls L, LII, and LIII
• The National Baseball League World Series
• The National Basketball League Playoffs
• The National Hockey League Stanley Cup
• San Francisco and Los Angeles Fleet Weeks

The Coast Guard has 16 canine explosive detection teams around the country made up of one human handler and one working dog.