Category Archives: WPC

We Need the Ship to Accomplish the Mission, the Gunner Protects the Ship, So We Need to Protect the Gunner

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Crew Served Weapons protection by Kinetic Protection LLC on USN CV.

I have been talking about the need to protect the gunners for our crew served gun mounts since 2013. We revised the topic in 2016, in 2019, and in 2021.

With the current Conflict in the Mid-East, there is perhaps more reason than ever to take another look.

I am particularly concerned about the need to protect gunners at crews served weapon stations (normally .50 caliber machine guns) on the PATFORSWA cutters, against the kinds of 12.7mm and 14.5mm machine guns commonly mounted on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy’s thousands of inshore attack craft. To me the powerful 14.5x114mm round might be regarded as the pacing threat and probably the largest weapon we could provide protection against (MIL-STD-3038 Type XI class B armor).

I would really like to see the crew served weapons replaced by remote weapons stations, but if we are not going to do that, we at least need to protect the gunners.

Crew Served Weapons protection by Kinetic Protection LLC on USN aircraft carrier. Similar protection, with modifications for intended arc of fire for the after .50 caliber gun mounts on the PATFORSWA FRCs which are mounted on the aft corners of O-1 Deck seems appropriate. This mount, on a carrier is relatively low, to allow the gunner to depress the gun, raising the inboard end of the gun, and still aim at targets close aboard to engage targets at very close range. Mounts on cutter might be higher to permit a smaller cutout since the gun would not have to be depressed at as great an angle.

I had an opportunity to talk to the CEO and representatives of Kinetic Protection, LLC who provide the only currently Navy recognized ballistic shielding for crew served weapons that meet DOD requirements (MIL STD 3038 and MIL PRF 32379).

Crew Served Weapons protection by Kinetic Protection LLC on USN aircraft carrier.

I was surprised to learn that their product is metallic rather than a composite. I was told this was because composite armor was found to deteriorate due to environmental exposure while the metallic plates have a 25 year life.

Their armor is customizable by ship class and can be bolt-on or permanently installed. It can be various lengths but currently they have been making sections 30 inches wide and 30, 35 and 60 inches long.

The armor weighs about 20 pounds per square foot so it looks like we could provide 12.5 to 14.6 sq. feet of protection (two panels 30×30 or 30×35 inches) for each of the four crew served weapons positions for a total of about 1200 pounds of additional weight. This should not be a problem, considering how many people are frequently crammed on these small ships when they are used to repatriate aliens.

While considering how to help these ships survive in conflict, there are other things we can do to make the weapons more effective, like stabilizing systems and better sights.

The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) in Manus, Papua New Guinea, Aug. 14, 2022 (U.S. Coast Guard photo by SW3 Victor Villanueva, NMCB-FOUR). Enlarging this photo by touching on it provides a view of both the forward and after crew served mounts located on the O-1 deck and the probable location of armor to protect the gunners. It is not clear if the current aft positions would allow the weapons to point directly astern, but every effort should be made to provide maximum arcs of fire. Pipe guards could be installed to prevent guns being depressed far enough to fire into the ship or personnel on the main deck.

This kind of protection used to be common. I have included some examples below.

A 20mm gun tub. The steps allowed the gunner, strapped to the gun, to point the weapon from the horizon to near vertical.

“U.S. Coast Guard strengthens historic relationship with Philippines during landmark visit to Tacloban” –USCG Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

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Below is a U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam news release. We seem to be pushing the little Webber class FRCs further and further. Because they are small, they are effective good will ambassadors. Clearly, they are not there to intimidate. There are more photos at the link. 

Oct. 23, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard strengthens historic relationship with Philippines during landmark visit to Tacloban

TACLOBAN, Philippines — In a historic first, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) visited partners in Tacloban, Philippines, from Oct. 19 to 23, 2023, and the crew conducted engagements marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the United States and the Philippines.

This visit of several days coincided with the observance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a crucial event in World War II history where U.S. Coast Guardsmen were a significant part of the U.S. forces and among the first to hit the beaches as the U.S. sought to retake the Philippines.

“We are deeply honored to be part of this observance and to strengthen the bond between the United States and the Philippines,” said Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of the USCGC Frederick Hatch. “It is a privilege to bring a U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter to the Philippines for the first time and to visit the historic city of Tacloban. My crew was excited to collaborate with the Philippine Coast Guard to deepen our connections with our fellow seagoing Service and explore this unique city and island.”

An advance team from U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam held planning meetings in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to prepare for this visit and the Battle of Leyte Gulf observance. Discussions revolved around mutual capabilities, training opportunities, and community engagement, part of the Coast Guard’s Operation Blue Pacific mission.

While in Tacloban, the crew, with support from the Maritime Security Response Team West, hosted a subject matter expert exchange on maritime law enforcement with Philippine Coast Guard colleagues, observed the 79th Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary, hosted local school children and government officials, held working meetings, and experienced the culture of the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines.

“The expanded capabilities of the Fast Response Cutter represent more than just advanced technology; they symbolize the bridge of cooperation and goodwill between nations. The FRCs and their dedicated crews regularly play a pivotal role in international diplomacy. These vessels, along with their highly trained and professional crews, are ambassadors of peace and collaboration, said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “They foster understanding and trust across borders, making the seas safer not only for our own nations but for all nations that rely on the freedom of navigation and maritime security.”

This visit is part of the USCGC Frederick Hatch’s regularly scheduled expeditionary patrol as part of the ongoing Operation Blue Pacific. It follows previous interactions between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, including the recent arrival of the USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) in Manila for professional exchanges and joint operations.

The visit of Pacific Area commander Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson in April to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for partnership further exemplifies the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to the region. The Service’s role as a federal law enforcement agency and an armed forces branch uniquely positions the agency’s teams to conduct security cooperation operations supporting combatant commanders, upholding governance, and ensuring regional stability. Through Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavor, the Service seeks to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania while strengthening relationships between partner nations in the Pacific.

The Tacloban visit underscores the shared strategic efforts toward a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and aligns with the Pacific Area Commander’s goals to prepare a ready force, generate combined effects, and uphold governance. It also supports U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s commitment to be a trusted partner in Oceania and deliver operational excellence.

-USCG-

About the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Region:

The U.S. Coast Guard is a vital force ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship across a vast Pacific expanse, spanning six continents, 71 countries, and 74 million square miles of ocean. U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area leads coordination and integration efforts in this vast region, promoting collaboration with partners.

Within this framework, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 oversees 14 million square miles in the Central and Western Pacific, serving as the Coast Guard’s largest district with 1,750 personnel operating 25 units. Their mission includes maritime safety, resource protection, security, and national defense, making them indispensable in the Pacific.

Reporting to District 14, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team focuses on maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. With a base in Guam and over 300 members across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, they maintain a strong U.S. presence in the Micronesia sub-region and adjacent areas, closely tied to local communities.

About USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143)
The Frederick Hatch is the 43rd 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter named for a surfman and lighthouse keeper who was a two-time Gold Life Saving Medal recipient. The Service commissioned the ship along with its sister ships, Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) and Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), in Guam in July 2021. They are currently on patrol representing the United States Coast Guard in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering international cooperation and maritime security.

FRC #54, “Fifth New England-based Fast Response Cutter to be commissioned in New Castle” –D1

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Sister ships. The first three fast response cutters—the USCGC Richard Etheridge (WPC-1102), Bernard C. Webber (WPC-1101), and William Flores (WPC-1103). U.S. COAST GUARD

Below is a news release from District 1. This is #54 with 11 more in the pipeline. The last will probably arrive in 2026 unless more are added.

Oct. 16, 2023

CORRECTED MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Fifth New England-based Fast Response Cutter to be commissioned in New Castle

Editors’ Note: This correction notes updated time for the ceremony and arrival, as well as ship information.
Media interested in attending the ship’s commissioning ceremony are requested to RSVP with d1publicaffairs@uscg.mil no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 18th. Media are requested to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to clear security and be escorted to the event, and must provide media credentials and government-issued photo ID.

WHO: Lt. Jacklyn Kokomoor, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter William Sparling (WPC-1154), Caroline S. Sparling, the cutter’s sponsor, along with additional Sparling family members

WHAT: Commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard Cutter William Sparling

WHEN: Thursday, October 19th, at 9 a.m.

WHERE: 25 Wentworth Rd New Castle, NH 03854

BOSTON — The Coast Guard Cutter William Sparling (WPC-1154) is scheduled to be commissioned during a ceremony Thursday at 9 a.m.

The Coast Guard’s newest cutter was accepted by the Coast Guard on July 20, 2023 and will be the fifth of six Fast Response Cutters homeported in Boston.

The Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC) is designed for multiple missions, including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping.

William Sparling was one of the first Coast Guard enlisted members to be awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of the nation’s highest military awards for valor in combat. Sparling served as a landing craft coxswain during the Battle of Tulagi, a strategically important island in the Pacific theater, during World War II. The island was captured by enemy forces in May 1942, and Allied forces were concerned that the occupation of Tulagi would be used to threaten Allied units and supply routes in the region. Allied forces arrived at Tulagi on August 7, 1942, to reestablish control of the island.

The amphibious assault, supported by the landing craft piloted by Sparling and other coxswains, was the first U.S. offensive of World War II and was one of the first in a series of battles that defined the Guadalcanal campaign. During the invasion, Sparling and other coxswains landed the first wave of U.S. Marines from USS McKean on the beaches of Tulagi. Over the next three days of fighting, Sparling and others made repeated trips between the Navy destroyer and Tulagi to deliver equipment, ammunition and other supplies to Marines as they engaged a determined occupying force of 800 troops. On August 9, the remaining enemy forces surrendered, and the Allies successfully secured Tulagi.

A-10 Attack Aircraft Drilled with PATFOSWA Cutters

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A-10 Thunderbolt II Canon, McChord AFB, Washington. Photo credit. mrkoww@gmail.com

The US Naval Institute news service published a report on Sept. 25, 2023, “2 A-10 Warthogs Drill with U.S. Destroyer in Middle East Maritime Exercise.” Interestingly the story also recounted previous instances where A-10s were used in the Maritime environment, including the following,

“On April 28, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, two Air Force A-10 Warthogs and three U.S. Coast Guard cutters with embarked U.S. Marine Corps joint terminal attack controllers, trained together in the Persian Gulf.”

The three cutters would have been three of the six 154 foot Webber class cutters assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA).

USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC-1146) and USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC-1147) enroute PATFORSWA

You can draw your own conclusions about what this means for how the cutters will be used if there are hostilities with Iran, but I will offer my thoughts.

Iranian swarm tactics provide a “target rich environment,” but those targets are not of equal importance. What the A-10s would see on their own would be very confusing. Priority targets could include command ships, drone carriers, and boats armed with cruise missiles and torpedoes, before taking on the much more numerous vessels armed with only machine guns and unguided rockets that provide a screen for the more important vessels.

The cutters could provide reference points, forward observation posts, from which the P-8 and Marine terminal attack controllers could point the A-10s to the highest priority targets.

Hopefully the Marines would also bring along some extra firepower to defend the cutters as well.

Camera drone’s-eye view of IRGC boats on display, March 2023. A) The air defense boat. B) Light missile boat with Bladerunner hull. C) light missile boats on Interceptor hull. D) light missile boats on Interceptor hull (alternative design). E) Missile boat, with type of missile unclear. F) RIB, possibly explosive boat or uncrewed. G) RIB with lightweight anti-ship torpedoes, can be carried aboard a Shahid Soleimani-class missile corvette. H) Interceptor boat. I) Interceptor boat with new type of missile.

Hulai II WPC, China Coast Guard’s FRC

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Philippine Coast Guard resupply mission encounters China Coast Guard

Philippine attempts to resupply Second Thomas Shoal, and Chinese effort to block those efforts have become common. Apparently, the Philippines succeeded recently. There was, in fact, a US Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft flying low overhead providing overwatch.

US Navy P-8 observing Philippine resupply mission

The resulting confrontation provided a lot of photos including ships of a class of China Coast Guard cutters that look a bit like US Coast Guard Webber class cutters.

China Coast Guard cutter attempts to block passage of Philippine supply vessel.

The only thing I have been able to find out about these little ships was from the Office of Naval Intelligence’s (ONI) Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, Coast Guard, Ship Identification Guide, which to my eye identifies them as the Hulai II class, which is reportedly 54 meters (177′) in length, with 30 units in the class. The length sounds right. They appear to be a bit longer than the Fast Response Cutters (47m/154′). I haven’t been able to locate any other information on the class.

Previously, China Coast Guard cutters guarding Second Thomas Shoal all seemed to be relatively large. Perhaps the Chinese realized their larger ships could be outmaneuvered and brought in these smaller ships as backup. Still the Philippines has again succeeded in resupplying the small garrison.

“Papua New Guinea leads joint maritime operations with U.S. Coast Guard” –Coast Guard News

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USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) hosts operational planning and subject matter exchange with partners in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) command stand for a photo with partners from the Papua New Guinea Defense Forces, Customs Services, National Fisheries Authority, and Department of Transport’s maritime security division following an operational planning and subject matter exchange with partners in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Aug. 22, 2023. The U.S. Coast Guard is in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the PNG government to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources following the recent signing and ratification of the bilateral agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir) 

Passing along this from Coast Guard News. Like the fact that the Papua New Guinea government is taking the lead on this. We are helping them build capacity not doing the job for them.

Aug. 23, 2023

Papua New Guinea leads joint maritime operations with U.S. Coast Guard

Editor’s Note: For more images, please click here. 

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Papua New Guinea (PNG) has invited the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources during August 2023.

This collaborative effort marks the first time a joint patrol effort will be executed at sea since the signing and ratification of the recent bilateral defense agreement between PNG and the United States, which allows the U.S. to embark shipriders from PNG agencies aboard the ship to conduct at sea boardings on other vessels operating in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under their national agency authority. This is the U.S. Coast Guard vessel deployment first announced during Secretary of Defense Austin’s engagement with Prime Minister James Marape in July.

PNG’s lead in this mission aligns with their sovereign rights to protect the EEZ and emphasizes the country’s commitment to maritime domain awareness, fisheries regulation enforcement, and sovereignty protection. The PNG government requested the U.S. Coast Guard’s participation to utilize the platform and crew of the Guam-based 154-foot Fast Repones Cutter, currently on an expeditionary patrol, to expand coverage of the heavily trafficked maritime EEZ.

“Through our recent operational planning and subject matter exchange, the partnership between the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the U.S. Coast Guard reached new heights. The spirit of collaboration and shared mission to ensure regional maritime security reflects our nations’ aligned values and commitment. This initiative fosters growth in our bilateral relationship and paves the way for innovative approaches to safeguard our waters and the sustainable use of our ocean resources. Working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard is an honor, and PNGDF eagerly anticipates our cooperative efforts’ continued growth and success,” said Commodore Philip Polewara, the Acting Chief of the PNG Defence Force.

The PNG-led patrol aims to observe activity and conduct boardings to reduce illegal fishing and illicit maritime activities in PNG’s EEZ. It’s part of a long-term effort to counter illegal maritime activity and safeguard the sustainable use of maritime resources.

This collaboration is vital to Operation Blue Pacific and augments ongoing efforts by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. It underscores the recent bilateral agreement, signed in May and ratified in the last few weeks, enabling the Myrtle Hazard crew to work collaboratively within PNG’s legal framework and strengthen relations with agencies with shared objectives.

The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew was the first U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter to call on port in Papua New Guinea during their southern expeditionary patrol in the fall of 2022 to build relations, conduct engagements, and resupply.

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard’s crew is building on the work of their colleagues – already engaging with the PNG Defense Force through exchanges in the northern part of the country on this patrol, bolstering cooperation and understanding. This activity included subject matter exchanges with the PNG Defense Force Patrol Vessel Ted Diro crew and a port call in Rabaul, where the team engaged with the local community at the Rabaul Yacht Club. Additionally, the advance team and cutter crew conducted operations planning and subject matter exchanges across agencies in Port Moresby and ship tours for the embassy team and partners.

“We are deeply honored to collaborate with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, Papua New Guinea Customs Services, Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority, and the Department of Transport’s Maritime Security Division at the invitation of the Papua New Guinea Government,” said Lt. Jalle Merritt, commanding officer of the USCGC Myrtle Hazard. “Our shared mission reflects PNG’s leading role in regional security, and we are committed to supporting their goals in this significant undertaking.”

For more information about this patrol and other related activities, please contact Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir at sara.g.muir@uscg.mil or the respective agencies in Papua New Guinea.

“U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector/Guam’s Fast Response Cutters bolster Pacific Partnership Strategy and strengthen Pacific Island Country relations” –USCG Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

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The Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew arriving in Port Moresby for a port visit on Aug. 23, 2022, following a patrol in parts of the Coral Sea, the Solomon Islands and PNG Exclusive Economic Zones. The U.S. Coast Guard was conducting a routine deployment in Oceania as part of Operation Blue Pacific, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness, and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by USCGC Oliver Henry)

Below is a news release from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. Webber class cutters there are developing a new norm for Coast Guard assistance to Pacific Island nations. It is not clear if this is now the norm, or if this was an unusual period, but from June 21 to August 3, there was only one day (June 17) that they did not have an FRC underway for at least part of the day. This is what I believe should be the norm and probably the reason FRCs are so frequently based in groups of three or six. Typically three ships would be, one underway, one in maintenance, and one in workup/standby (I don’t know if they are employing standby). 

On the other hand, none of these patrols was more than 16 days long and the shortest only five, which suggest why, given the long transit distances, we need some cutters with greater endurance in the Western Pacific (I would say three to have one underway at all times and be able to surge two when needed).

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention.

Aug. 18, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector/Guam’s Fast Response Cutters bolster Pacific Partnership Strategy and strengthen Pacific Island Country relations

SANTA RITA, Guam — In a robust display of maritime commitment, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s Fast Response Cutters conducted four patrols over 44 days, enhancing safety and prosperity in the Pacific Islands region while combatting illicit maritime activity, including illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing and the illegal and unsafe transport of passengers.

The crews of USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143), USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139), and USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140):

– Conducted seven boardings and five observation reports.
– Completed over 20 training evolutions.
– Qualified 18 new shipboard members.
– Supported the investigation into the transport of 11 people aboard an overloaded vessel transiting to Guam from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on an illegal charter following their rescue by DoD partners.
– Supported operations such as Operation Blue Pacific, Operation Rematau, Operation Nasse, and Operation Koa Moana.

“Our Fast Response Cutter crews exhibit both efficacy and presence as a consistent and trusted partner in the region. Our Pacific Island Country partners’ warmth and regard for the Coast Guard is a testament to the strong connections we have nurtured over the years. It is our commitment to the people of the Pacific Island Countries to protect Oceania and its resources for them from undue strategic competition that would undermine those relationships and destabilize the region,” said Cmdr. Greg Sickels, deputy sector commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.

Operational Achievements and Highlights

– USCGC Frederick Hatch (June 21 – July 2 and July 18 – Aug. 3): Enhanced international relations, streamlined boarding processes, qualified new personnel, and improved communication with FSM Maritime Police.

– USCGC Myrtle Hazard (July 3 – 16): Strengthened connection with CNMI, ensured maritime law enforcement presence in less patrolled areas, and enhanced collaboration with customs and public safety departments.

– USCGC Oliver Henry (July 18 – 23): Increased U.S. presence, enforced fishing regulations, and fostered crew readiness with weapons proficiency and collaboration.

These accomplishments underscore the U.S. Coast Guard’s pivotal role in promoting maritime governance, ensuring good relations, and fostering strategic competition in the Pacific Islands region. The U.S. Coast Guard remains a consistent and reliable partner, working collaboratively with Pacific Island Countries to achieve shared objectives and bolster regional security.

Operation Rematau, an integral part of Operation Blue Pacific, is spearheaded by the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. This initiative fosters security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity throughout Oceania. Rematau translates to “people of the deep sea” and embodies the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the people of this region.

The U.S. Coast Guard actively exercises 12 bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements with Pacific Island Countries, reinforcing maritime law enforcement operations and domain awareness in the region. In October 2022, the Service, on behalf of the U.S., signed the first enhanced bilateral agreement with the Federated States of Micronesia. This landmark agreement builds on the existing shiprider arrangement, allowing the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct boardings in the FSM’s exclusive economic zone with prior approval working with the FSM National Police, but without an FSM officer physically present. This expansion significantly amplifies the FSM’s capacity to protect its sovereignty and resources across an area spanning 1 million square miles and more than 600 islands. Boardings have already been conducted under this enhanced shiprider agreement, attracting interest in similar arrangements from other nations in the area.

In May 2023, the U.S. signed a new bilateral agreement with Papua New Guinea, richly endowed with natural resources like gold, copper, oil, and natural gas. While its formal sector focuses on exports of these commodities, most of its people rely on subsistence agriculture. As of 2020, agriculture, forestry, and fishing reportedly account for nearly 19 percent of PNG’s GDP. The agreement aligns with the PNG government’s efforts to safeguard their islands and 1.2 million square miles of EEZ, which are vital to their economic well-being. Recently ratified by their parliament, this partnership, at the request of the Papua New Guinea government, further extends the reach and impact of maritime law enforcement efforts. In line with this initiative, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter from Guam will be collaborating with Papua New Guinea to enact their new agreement shortly, continuing to foster security and collaboration across the Pacific.

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam comprises more than 300 members based in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands spread across shoreside and afloat units committed to maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania.

For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector/Guam’s operations and achievements, please visit the official DVIDS account at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USCG-FMSG.

“Drone Boat Leading Navy Ships In The Strait Of Hormuz A Sign Of Things To Come” –The Drive

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Strait of Hormuz, August 6, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), Lewis and Clark class cargo ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) and USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC-1141) with L3Harris Arabian Fox uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in the foreground.

The Drive has a post discussing 5th Fleet/NAVCENT’s pioneering work with Unmanned surface systems (UAS) and the creation of Task Force 59.

Coast Guard Webber class patrol craft are prominent in the operation as they have been in previous UAS operations. I suspect this is because the WPCs are readily available to the 5th Fleet commander. Their size and maneuverability make them easier to operate in close proximity to the small UAS (and in the vicinity of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) small craft). They are heavily armed enough to prevent the IRGC from stealing the UAS. They have tried to do it in the past. 

Specs on the 13 foot L3 Harris Arabian Fox (40 knot maximum speed and 36 hour endurance) lend credibility to the long-range reported for Ukrainian Kamikaze UAS, up to 450 nautical miles (approximately 833 km).

WMEC 210 Makes Three Drug Busts, Seizing 11,550 Pounds of Cocaine–Additional Observations on Eastern Pacific Drug Interdiction

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USCGC Steadfast (WMEC-623)

Below is a Coast Guard News Release. It is in fact a pretty typical news release. There are lots of these, and I usually don’t bother to publish them, but this one has prompted me to make some observations.

USCGC Steadfast had a very successful patrol. In fact, she did as well as any National Security cutter might have done despite the fact, she is less than a quarter the size of an NSC. Despite her age, size, and relatively slow speed, she has the critical assets necessary for success–good boats, an airborne use of force helicopter, and a crew that knew how to use them. Conclusion: It is a numbers game. Not every cutter needs to be 4500 tons, because we need numbers and smaller cutters can do the job. (I do like the fact that the newer cutters are faster.)

Looking back on six months’ worth of Coast Guard News reports (60 pages) it looks like a disproportionate part of the Eastern Pacific drug interdiction patrols are being done by PACAREA cutters. It is counter intuitive, but LANTAREA ships are actually much closer to the patrol areas and LANTAREA has many more large patrol cutters (NSCs and MECs: LANT 25 / PAC 9).

PACIFIC AREA CUTTERS: 

ATLANTIC AREA CUTTERS:

LANT Cutters do all the drug interdiction in the Caribbean and Migrant interdiction as well but, in addition to the 25 large ships, LANTAREA also has something like 35 Webber class cutters (in addition to the six in PATFORSWA), with 19 or 20 in the 7th District alone. By comparison, PAC AREA, with 84% of the entire US EEZ, has only 13 Webber class, four in the 11th District, six in the geographically huge 14th District that must also assist the nations of the Compacts of Free Association, and three in the 17th District (Alaska). The 13th District, where PACAREA’s three 210s, that are apparently doing most of the Eastern Pacific drug interdiction work are based, has not a single Webber class. Conclusion: PACAREA needs more ships than currently assigned or planned. The Webber class have probably made it possible to move more MECs to the Pacific. In the meantime, LANTAREA should be sending more ships to the Eastern Pacific drug transit zone.

July 23, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast returns home after 70-day counternarcotics patrol in Eastern Pacific

ASTORIA, Ore. – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast (WMEC 623) and crew returned to homeport, Friday, after a 70-day counternarcotics patrol in the Eastern Pacific.

Steadfast’s crew disrupted the flow of illegal narcotics on three separate occasions during their patrol, preventing a combined total of more than 11,550 pounds of cocaine from reaching the U.S.

The crew steamed more than 16,000 nautical miles conducting training, law enforcement missions, providing search-and-rescue coverage, and conducting helicopter operations while patrolling the waters between their Astoria homeport and the international waters off the coasts of Central and South America.

While patrolling in the Eastern Pacific, June 9, Steadfast’s cutter boat crew detected a suspected narcotics-smuggling panga-style vessel. Coast Guard personnel conducted a boarding on the vessel, resulting in the interdiction of 2,200 pounds of cocaine.

On June 18, Steadfast was notified by a Customs and Border Protection Maritime Patrol Aircraft and crew (MPA) of another suspected narcotics-smuggling vessel. Steadfast personnel launched the helicopter, which was able to visually detect the target. Steadfast’s boarding team interdicted the 50-foot low profile vessel (LPV), a type of vessel specifically designed for avoiding radar detection, which make them difficult to detect. Steadfast personnel were able to interdict and seize 6,864 pounds of cocaine from the vessel.

During routine operations on July 9, Steadfast personnel were notified by MPA crew of a suspected narcotics-smuggling vessel transiting international waters. Steadfast launched a cutter boat with a boarding team and HITRON helicopter and aircrew to interdict the vessel. The target vessel attempted to evade the pursuit crew and began jettisoning suspected packaged narcotics overboard. The gunner aboard the HITRON helicopter used disabling fire to stop the engines of the smuggling vessel, ending the pursuit. Steadfast personnel recovered the jettisoned contraband, resulting in the seizure of another 2,464 pounds of cocaine.

The seized contraband was offloaded in San Diego during Steadfast’s transit home.

The ongoing battle against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific theater demands united efforts on all fronts. Between initial detection, gathering intelligence, interdiction, and case prosecution, the Coast Guard works closely with partner nations and other U.S. agencies to interrupt the flow of illegal narcotics and chip away at the influence of cartels.

“This patrol marked another epic adventure for the crew of Steadfast,” said Cmdr. Brock Eckel, Steadfast’s commanding officer. “The crew’s teamwork and dedication were key to our operational success and their camaraderie made memories of a lifetime at sea and in exotic foreign ports. In keeping with the traditions of the sea services, I am also proud to have inducted 55 pollywogs into the glorious realm of Neptunus Rex’s Kingdom as Honorable Shellbacks.”

Notably, Steadfast became the second known U.S. military vessel to cross the equator on the 4th of July, earning 55 crew members the title of “Star-Spangled Shellbacks.” Steadfast’s crew was able to participate in a line crossing ceremony that solidified crew camaraderie and upheld the long-practiced traditions of seagoing services.

In addition to the ship’s successes in the counternarcotics arena, Steadfast and crew enjoyed several new and exciting experiences in other areas. During their port call in Panama City, Steadfast crew members spent time bolstering relationships with the Panamanian Navy, participating in a volleyball tournament and a barbeque. One of the ship’s small boat crews also rescued a sea turtle that had been entangled in fishing gear, cutting it free and releasing it back to the sea.

Commissioned in 1968, Steadfast is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter homeported on the Oregon coast. The cutter and crew deploy along the western seaboard from North America to South America conducting missions such as living marine resource law enforcement, counter-narcotics and migrant smuggling, and search-and-rescue operations.

Coast Guard in Oceania in the News

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The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew arrives in Manus, Papua New Guinea, on Aug. 14, 2022, from Guam as part of a patrol headed south to assist partner nations in upholding and asserting their sovereignty while protecting U.S. national interests. The U.S. Coast Guard is participating with partners to support the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency-led Operation Island Chief and the larger Operation Blue Pacific through patrols in the Western Pacific in August and September 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by SW3 Victor Villanueva, NMCB-FOUR)

A couple of recent articles about the US relations with Palau and Papua New Guinea.

Map of the exclusive economic zones in the Pacific.

There has long been interest in a US base on Manus, Papua New Guinea, but this is politically sensitive. Basing cutters there that protect an important economic resource and occasionally rescue the locals when they get in trouble, would probably be most welcome.

On the map above, Manus and Guam do not look that far apart, but Manus is 1,737.88 km (938 nautical miles) SSE of Guam. That is about the distance from Miami to New York City. 

Cutters based in Manus would be closer to parts Freely Associated States (FAS) of Palau and Federated States of Micronesia than cutters based in Guam and much closer to most non-FAS Micronesian nations. It might also be a good place to site a fixed wing forward operating base (CGAS Honolulu DET).

I am beginning to think we will see two new bases in the Western Pacific, one in American Samoa and one in Manus.

If we do end up with additional Webber class based outside Hawaii and Guam, we might need a squadron support organization similar to, and perhaps even larger than, PATFORSWA, to support all FRCs based in the Pacific South and West of Hawaii, e.g. a PATFORSWPAC.