Forbes brings us some good news, that people in Congress are trying to help the Coast Guard.

This is apparently only one of several bills, but it has some good things, money for the Coast Guard Yard and for the backlog of shoreside infrastructure, also assurance that Coast Guard personnel will continue to be paid if there is a government shutdown.

But it also includes something cheap that I have been advocating repeatedly, a new Fleet Mix Study. It has been 13 years, far too long since the last one was done. (Follow the link to see what we thought would happen in 2012.) Much has changed. The OPCs were long delayed, do we still want to go with the slow pace of construction currently planned? Should we consider something like “Cutter X?” More NSC were built than planned. We still have no shore based UAS. The MH-65s are becoming unsupportable. “Future Vertical Lift” aircraft are with the planning horizon. We got far fewer C-144s than planned. C-27 became available, replacing some C-144s, but also perhaps replacing some C-130s. The 87 foot Marine Protector WPBs are reaching the end of their lives, what do replace them with, a large motor lifeboat, an interceptor, or both? A new Tri-Service Strategy has been published. International Illegal Undocumented Unreported (IUU) fisheries has become a hot topic. Capacity building with friendly nations is becoming a major goal. Arctic presence, law enforcement, and SAR has become a concern.

Unlike the previous Fleet Mix Study we need to consider alternatives, not just preselected solutions.

Churchill is reputed to have said, “Gentlemen, We Have Run Out Of Money; Now We Have to Think.” In this case if we think, we might make a case for getting money. Too often it seems the Congress has been willing to give us money, but the Coast Guard did not have a wish list, e.g. unfunded priorities. We need a new vision of what the Coast Guard can be.

Real Clear Defense has an interesting article that ask decision makers to think about the special talents the Coast Guard brings to international relations.

Part of the reason this article is perhaps significant is the position held by the author.

Jason Smith currently serves on the faculty at the National War College.  He has served in the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army, as an advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, as Senior Policy Advisor in the U.S. Senate and on the staff of the National Security Council.

The author draws parallels between the way special forces should be used and the way the Coast Guard should be used internationally. This particular point is something that I have come to believe.

Frequently require discriminant and precise use of force. This often requires development, acquisition, and employment of equipment not standard for other Department of Defense forces.

The author seems to be thinking Gray Zone Ops, but I am thinking counter terrorism missions. To do our missions the Coast Guard may need equipment and weapons that are not in the Navy inventory. We need light weight anti-surface torpedoes to forcibly stop larger vessels, regardless of their size. We need small missiles to stop small, fast, highly maneuverable terrorist controlled vessels (manned or unmanned) while avoiding collateral damage.

I also believe the Navy will need similar weapons if there is a major naval conflict, to enforce blockades and counter coast wise infiltration, but these weapons are not sufficiently sexy to warrant career making attention within the Navy.

The Coast Guard also has the unusual job of enforcing flight restrictions over the National Capital. Conventional fighter aircraft are not appropriate for this. On the other hand the helicopters we currently use are not really fast enough to keep up with high performance general aviation aircraft. (Plus it seems we may be phasing out the MH-65s.) The aircraft special operations is considering for armed overwatch look like a good fit for the mission and linking Coast Guard procurement with that of the Air Force Special Operations Command could provide cost savings.

Covert Shores brings us an interesting, but ultimately sad story of Mozambique’s attempts to provide a naval/coast guard force. There are interesting classes of patrol and interceptor classes here, all let down by inadequate support.

Below is a news release reporting the arrival of two Webber class WPCs to their new homeport as they join PATFORSWA.

News Release  U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area PATFORSWA receives 2 new Sentinel-class U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters  MANAMA, Bahrain — U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) arrived at their new homeport onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 25. The FRCs are two of six planned to be attached to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, forward-deployed to Bahrain with Commander, Task Force 55. They will replace the existing Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats USCGC Aquidneck (WPB 1309) and USCGC Adak (WPB 1333). “These crews have shown that they are more than ready for the mission at hand in this region through numerous successful engagements with partner maritime forces during port visits and bilateral exercises,” said Capt. Willie Carmichael, commander of PATFORSWA. “I am extremely proud of the high performance they have displayed during their transit to Bahrain.” Aquidneck and Adak are set to decommission in Bahrain later this year and are being replaced as part of the Integrated Deepwater System Program, the Coast Guard’s 25-year program to replace most of the branch’s equipment. The IDSP plans to have 64 fast response cutters, with Charles Moulthrope and Robert Goodman being the 41st and 42nd, commissioned into service on Jan. 21 and Mar. 12, respectively. The FRCs are designed to patrol coastal regions and perform expeditionary operations. They feature advanced command, control, and communications systems and improved surveillance and reconnaissance equipment. They are also capable of launching and recovering small boats from the stern. “The addition of the FRCs to our task force has been highly anticipated, and the team here is excited to work with these outstanding crews,” said Capt. Christopher Gilbertson, commander of Destroyer Squadron 50 and CTF 55. “The advanced capabilities of these cutters greatly enhances our ability to provide high-end support to regional and coalition partners throughout the area of operations. ”PATFORSWA, attached to CTF 55, comprises six patrol vessels, shoreside mission support personnel, and the Maritime Engagement Team. They play a crucial role in maritime security, maritime infrastructure protection, and theater security cooperation in the region. The unit also supports other U.S. Coast Guard deployable specialized forces operating throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. CTF 55 operates in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, supporting naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

Seawaves reports delivery of a new 43 meter patrol boat,

May 13, 2021 – Rodman Polyships S.A.U., a shipyard of the Rodman Group specialized in the building of all types of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) vessels, finishes this April the delivery of a new vessel to the Spanish Tax Administration Agency (Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria). This is the new Rodman 138, the longest offshore patrol vessel in Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester that has been built in Europe and probably worldwide, so far, which is already part of the Customs Surveillance fleet to carry out missions at sea and provide coastal patrol service, covering large surveillance areas.

Specifications describe a vessel slightly smaller than the Webber class WPC.

Length: 43 meters, Speed 26 knots, range 2000 nautical miles, Crew 18

The remarkable characteristic is the performance on what appears to be relatively low power. For the claimed 26 knots top speed “Propulsion is provided by two 1,500 kW four-stroke diesel engines.” That is about 4000 HP, about on third of the power the Webbers require to reach 28 knots.

Below is an Atlantic Area news release that provides a wrap up of USCGC Hamilton’s very much not routine deployment to the 6th Fleet. We can expect two more similar deployments, in the Fall and again early in 2022. The third FRC to be stationed in Guam, Frederick Hatch (WPC-1143), followed the first two Bahrain bound ships that deployed with Hamilton in the construction sequence and was accepted in February. PATFORSWA FRC#3 has already been busy. While as a pre-commissioning unit Glen Harris was deployed to assist the Seacor Power. Glen Harris arrived on the scene within 30-minutes and was able to rescue one of the six people to survive the incident.

News Release  U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area USCGC Hamilton concludes operations with U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet   MEDITERRANEAN SEA — The Legend-class national security USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) transited out of the Mediterranean Sea, concluding the crew’s recent operations in the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet’s area of responsibility, May 24, 2021. Hamilton entered the Mediterranean Sea on April 15 and the Black Sea on April 27 to support NATO Allies and partners. Hamilton was the first U.S. Coast Guard Cutter to visit the Black Sea since 2008. The last U.S. Coast Guard cutter to visit the Black Sea was USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716) and sailed to the Black Sea twice, in 2008 and 1995. Since leaving the Black Sea on May 14, Hamilton’s crew visited Valletta, Malta, and conducted engagements at sea with the armed forces of Malta. They also conducted a brief logistics stop in Rota, Spain, on May 23. “By operating with Sixth Fleet, we expand the Coast Guard’s global reach and advance our Nation’s Tri-Service Maritime Strategy,” said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753). “This deployment also reinforced our commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters while building capacity and partnerships with nations that have shared interests and threats in the maritime domain. ”After departing North Charleston, South Carolina, on February 28, the crew of Hamilton stopped in Puerto Rico and then headed toward Rota, with two Sentinel-class fast response cutters, USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142). After escorting the fast response cutters and departing Spain, Hamilton then visited Italy, Georgia, Ukraine, and Malta. The crew conducted various operational exercises with the maritime components of each country and Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria. “The relationships we build are fundamental for establishing maritime safety and security worldwide,” said Lt. Cmdr. Taylor Kellogg, operations officer of USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753). “Working together with our NATO Allies and partners, we advance the rule of law on the sea, ensuring free and open access to the maritime domain. ”The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard operate forward, from the littoral to the open ocean, ensuring stability and open sea lanes across all maritime domains. U.S. Coast Guard operations in U.S. Sixth Fleet demonstrate the Service’s commitment, flexibility, and capability to operate and address security concerns throughout Europe and Africa. The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness, and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards. Hamilton is the fourth national security cutter and is the fifth named for the father of the U.S. Coast Guard – Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and advocate for creating the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service. The U.S. Coast Guard remains operational during COVID-19, following all COVID-19 safety precautions and regulations. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

I have a friend who is looking at improving ships’ sick bays. I could not really offer any suggestions, but perhaps you can.

I don’t expect a lot of responses, but perhaps some of you can help even if you think the suggestion is minor. Please add a comment.

What improvements, additions, or changes might make ships’ sick bays more useful? more flexible? more capable? More accessible?

Do we need more privacy? Connectivity to advice from ashore? Robotic assistance?

This is a follow-up to an earlier post, “Coast Guard Continuing Quest to Deploy Counter-Drone Systems” –Seapower, that suggested, if cutters were given a Remote Weapons Station {RWS) similar to the one on the Interim Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) vehicle pictured above, it would provide a great deal of flexibility in responding to a broad spectrum of threats, and that the Navy might be interested in a similar mount for their light amphibious warship (LAW).

I got to wondering how close that possibility might be. The Navy Department supplies the Coast Guard’s ships’ weapons, so there is no chance the Coast Guard could get such a weapon unless it was being used by either the Navy or Marine Corps.

Turns out the possibility may not be that remote.

Kongsberg claims to be the leading manufacturer of Remote Weapon Stations.

“Kongsberg is the world’s leading manufacturer of RWS, delivering nearly 20,000 RWS units to more than 20 countries worldwide. All RWS systems – including turrets – bound for U.S. customers are manufactured in Kongsberg’s Johnstown, Penn. facility with significant support from a U.S. supply base.”

Their portfolio of eight RWS, includes at least three in service with the Navy Department and one used by the Coast Guard. Remote weapon systems – KONGSBERG Defence and Aerospace.

Their middle weight “Protector RS6” which is also designated as the XM914 is the basis for the IM-SHORAD. It is also used by the Marine Corps as the Remote Weapon System for their Marine Air Defense Integrated System, which is a lighter system than the IM-SHORAD having no provision for Hellfire and only two Stingers on the mount. Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Deliver XM914 Remote Weapon Stations to the US Marine Corps for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System – Soldier Systems Daily.

Their light weight “Protector RS4 Naval” is the basis of the Mk50 remote .50 cal. The Sea PROTECTOR MK50 supporting the U. S. Navy – KONGSBERG The Coast Guard has four 87 foot patrol boats used for SSBN force protection that are equipped with these and we expect to have two on each of the Offshore Patrol Cutters. 

One of Kongsberg’s heavier RWS, RT20 with a high velocity 30mm gun has been selected for the USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program, and is fully marinized to allow operations in marine environments. Kongsberg MCT-30 30mm Turret Selected for USMC ACV (overtdefense.com)

It is not the 30mm gun that makes the RS6 mount an attractive alternative to the Mk38, it is the ability to also mount Hellfire and Stinger, though the availability of a proximity fuse is a significant advantage. The gun itself is not superior to the 25mm and is definitely inferior to the higher velocity 30mm guns that use 30×173 ammunition which also includes a proximity fused round.

On the other hand this 30mm, in the RS6 mount is lighter than the Mk38 mod2/3 and would be a huge improvement over the .50 cal. Using both the 30mm and the coaxial 7.62mm on our smaller units would allow the use of the 7.62 for accurately placed warning shots and the 30mm for greater effectiveness should that be necessary. The addition of Hellfire and or APKWS would allow small units to deal with even larger threats.

Kongsberg seems to be able to integrate numerous weapon systems into these systems.

For an overview of the IM-SHORAD system, here is a video (sorry about the commercials).

If you want to know how the DOD is structured and where the money goes, this is your source. It is 140 pages and has some great graphics. Credit the USNI for alerting me to this.

Naval News reports Portugal has decided to procure six additional Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Viana do Castelo class, adding to the four currently in service.

This has been something of a slow-motion program, with the first two of class being laid down in 2004 but not commissioned until 2011 and 2013. After the first two ships, the pace improved considerably. The third and fourth, built by a different shipyard, were laid down in 2017 and commissioned in 2018 and 2019. The additional six ships are expected to be commissioned by 2029, with the first to be commissioned in 2023.

The ships themselves fall between the 210s and 270s in terms of sophistication and capability. About the size of the 270s but without a hangar and only a 30mm gun with an optical firecontrol system. Their speed is better than either USCG cutter at 21 knots. The crew is much smaller, 35 with accommodations for 32 additional.

They are equipped for mine laying. Two of the existing ships have pollution recovery systems.