“Cyber Command creates task force with Coast Guard for port defense exercise” –DefenseScoop

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U.S. Cyber Command operators participate in Cyber Guard 25-2 exercise on June 3, 2025, at Fort George G. Meade, MD. The exercise, in coordination with the Joint Staff, simulates scenarios that test response protocols and defensive and offensive techniques across geographic areas of responsibility (Photo credit: U.S. Cyber Command).

DefenseScoop reports,

“During its most recent capstone exercise, U.S. Cyber Command created a joint task force with the Coast Guard to defend ports against cyberattacks…

“Using its memorandum of agreement with the Coast Guard, DCDC created Task Force Port for the exercise and charged a Coast Guard official with leading it.

“That MOA gives Cybercom the ability to quickly provide capabilities and forces to the Coast Guard for emergent needs…”

Looks like Coast Guard expertise in the Cyber field is being recognized.

“U.S. in Talks to Buy 15 Icebreakers from Finland, Trump Says at NATO Summit” –gCaptain

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Finnish icebreaker Polaris leaving for sea trials on 16 June 2016. Photo credit: Tuomas Romu, via Wikipedia.

gCaptain reports,

“At the NATO summit in The Hague President Trump confirmed that the U.S. was in negotiations with Finland to buy up to 15 icebreakers from the country, including acquiring a used vessel currently available.”

The article suggests that the only readily available used icebreaker is the Polaris, pictured above, but questions its utility for the Coast Guard.

“Polaris, like most Finnish icebreakers, was designed for service in the Baltic Sea to escort commercial shipping at high average speeds. They use minimal crews, operating on 10-day port visit cycles. Very different from the USCG mission in the Arctic.”

Polaris is a dual fuel icebreaker, it has a capacity to run on LNG for up to ten days and up to 20 days on Marine Diesel. The crew is small at 16, with accommodations for up to 24, but this is a relative large ship. I suspect accommodations could be increased.

This looks looks like it might be usable in the Great Lakes if it can make its way through the Saint Lawrence Seaway. It is much more powerful than USCGC Mackinaw. But it may be just a bit too wide. Beam is reportedly 24 meters while the Seaway maximum is 23.8 meters, the difference is about 8 inches, but this may just be a matter of the actually beam having been rounded up to the nearest meter.

Since the endurance is actually closer to 30 days than 10, this ship still might be useful in the American Arctic, but accommodating space for communications, weapons, laboratories, and scientific personnel might be challenging. Notably it does not have a helicopter deck or hangar.

This Day in Coast Guard History, June 30

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Based on the Coast Guard Historian’s timeline, https://www.history.uscg.mil/research/chronology/
With inspiration from Mike Kelso

June 30

1932  The Steamboat Inspection Service and Bureau of Navigation were combined to form the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection (47 Stat. L., 415).  The new agency remained under the control of the Commerce Department.

1933  The airways division, which had been conducted as a division of the Lighthouse Service, but under the administrative supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Aeronautics, Department of Commerce, was separated from the Lighthouse Service. (USLHS AR 1933, p. 97).

1933  The Coast Guard reported that during its existence, from January 28, 1915 through the end of the Fiscal Year (June 30) of 1933 the service had either  “rescued from peril” or “saved” the lives of 60,982 persons and the value of vessels and cargoes the Coast Guard saved or assisted was $659,632,287 (CGM, April, 1934, p. 28).

1939  “The total personnel of the Service as of June 30, 1939, was 5,355, consisting of 4,119 full-time and 1,156 part-time employees, the former including 1, 170 light keepers and assistants; 56 light attendants; 1,995 officers and crews of lightships and tenders; 113 Bureau officers, engineers and draftsmen, and district superintendents and technical assistants; 226 clerks, messengers, janitors, and office laborers; 157 depot keepers and assistants, including watchmen and laborers; and 482 field-force employees engaged in construction and repair work.”

1939  “At the end of the year, the total number of lighthouse tenders was 65, of which 64 were in commission and 1 was out of commission and advertised for sale.  Of the vessels in commission, 42 were steam-propelled, 18 had diesel engines, and 4 had diesel-electric drive.  The average age of the fleet of tenders is 19.52 years.  There are 10 tenders, aggregating 8,535 tons, 35 years of age and over. Thirty lighthouse tenders are equipped with radiotelegraph; 38 with radio direction finders; and 55 with radiotelephones.”

1939  “Lightships were maintained on 30 stations during the year.  At the close of the year, the total number of lightships was 43, which included 9 relief ships and 4 ships out of commission.”

1939  “The total number of aids to navigation maintained by the Lighthouse Service at the close of the fiscal year was 29,606, a net increase of 849 over the previous year.”

Coast Guardsmen and war horses stand shoreside inspection. USCG Historian’s Office

1942  The Coast Guard’s Beach Patrol Division was established at Coast Guard Headquarters under the command of Captain Raymond J. Mauerman, USCG.

1946  The general World War II demobilization task was completed with all Separation Centers decommissioned, resulting in a reduced number of Coast Guard personnel to 23,000 officers and enlisted personnel from a wartime peak of about 171,000 on June 30, 1945.

1946  By this date, all lightships removed from their stations as a war measure had been restored, except Fire Island Lightship which had been replaced by a large-type whistle buoy offshore and a radio-beacon on shore at Fire Island Light Station, New York.

1946  The U .S. Navy returned the Coast Guard’s eleven air stations to the operational control of the Coast Guard.

1947  The Fourth Coast Guard District, which comprised parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware and was based out of Philadelphia, was abolished and the functions, responsibilities, and facilities in this area were transferred to the Third Coast Guard District, based at New York, New York.  Additionally the Seventeenth Coast Guard District was abolished, and the Territory of Alaska, which it comprised, was added to the Thirteenth Coast Guard District, which included Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

1987  As part of a major reorganization and consolidation effort the Coast Guard disestablished the Third and Twelfth Coast Guard districts.

“Department of Homeland Security U.S. Coast Guard Budget Overview Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Justification”

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US Capital West Side, by Martin Falbisoner

You can find this rather long document here.

Overall the budget provides a modest increase over FY2024 and the year long continuing resolution of FY2025 for both the overall budget and Procurement Construction and Improvement (PC&I). There is a very large increase over the small amount previously provided for Research and Development (R&D).

Bottom Line (Dollars in Thousands):

  • Total: FY2025: $13,526,238 FY2026: $14,494,727 Change: +7.16%
  • Operations and Support: FY2025: $10,415,271 FY2026: $11,066,223 Change: +6.25%
  • PC&I: FY2025: $1,413,950 FY2026: $1,744,040 change: +23.3%
  • R&D: FY2025: $7,476 FY2026: $67,701 change: +1,512.53%

Included within PC&I is “Shore Facilities and Aids to Navigation (ATON).” This particular line item saw a huge cut without apparent explanation. FY2025: $187,500 FY2026: $21,300 change: -88.64%

Here are some of the things I learned (assuming it all goes as planned) :

NSC: A Major Maintenance Availability (MMA) program for the National Security Cutters will begin.

Icebreaker: SLEP for USCGC Healy will begin.

OPC: FY2026 will be the first time two OPCs will be funded in the same year. Includes long lead time items for OPCs #10 and #11. Construction is expected to continue on the Eastern OPCs. The Crew for OPC#5 will form.

WMEC: Three more WMEC 210s will be decommissioned in FY2026. One WMEC270 (#3) will complete SLEP and two more (#4&5) will enter the program.

FRC: Two more Webber class WPCs will be funded and four more  will be commissioned in FY2026. This will include more cutters for Guam and San Juan.

WLM: There will be an MMA program for WLM175s.

Aircraft: There will be a big jump in funding for the MH-60T program: FY2025: $58,250 FY2026: $164,600. The first C-130J will be assigned to CGAS Sacramento. SLEP program for C-144s will begin.

New station will be built in the US Virgin Islands.

R&D: The R&D justification includes new programs, some you might find surprising.

Transformational Research and Development, $39,460.

Funding for this project will enable the development of innovative new detection and identification technologies, connectivity technologies, and data analytic efforts focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning related to advanced algorithms for the purpose of strengthening DHS and U.S. Government agencies’ detection programs. This investment is intended to enable new technologies to be fielded or to directly spur commercial development that strengthens the Homeland Security Enterprise.

Technical Forensics Research and Development Technology Readiness Level Exhibit, $6,530.

This project advances the U.S. Government’s technical capability to assess pre- and post-detonation material. The National Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program (NNFEDP) is crucial for maintaining a robust U.S. nuclear forensics capability by addressing the declining pipeline of qualified experts in this critical field. The NNFEDP supports research awards, fellowships, and specialized training to develop the next generation of nuclear forensic scientists. This investment ensures the U.S. can effectively analyze and attribute nuclear materials, informing critical national security decisions.

Detection Capability Development Research and Development Technology Readiness Level Exhibit, $14,948.

 This project supports acquisition and deployment of counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) devices that will partially or wholly address capability gaps and provide DHS operational users and Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial stakeholders with commercially available or next-generation counter WMD devices.

“Fassmer Unveils New OPV90 Mk II” –Naval News

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Naval News reports on a new Offshore Patrol Vessel design by German firm Fassmer.

We have seen FASSMER OPVs before:

I suspect (as does the Naval News article) the OPV in the video above may be for Singapore. As you can see above, Singapore has ordered four FASSM designed OPVs. But also look at the similarity of the reinforcements (fenders) along the side of the hull in the video compared to those on the Singapore patrol boats Singapore’s OPVs will replace.

MSRV Protector (57) and MSRV Bastion (58) during their recommissioning in January 2022 (Republic of Singapore Navy)

These patrol craft were converted from missile boats.

Singapore’s Maritime Security and Response flotilla

The new FASSMER design includes space for containers, including in the area that would normally be a helicopter hangar. All of Singapore’s EEZ is within relatively easy range of land based aircraft, so I can understand why they might forgo the hangar. Their  Littoral Mission Ships are also equipped with helicopter decks but without hangars.

“US Coast Guard Academy Censors ‘Climate Change’ From Its Curriculum” –Inside Climate News

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Inside Climate News reports,

Amy Donahue, the provost and chief academic officer of the academy, confirmed the moves in a statement posted last week on the Coast Guard Academy alumni association’s website. The association said in an online post that it had reached out to her office after receiving “several letters of concern” on how climate policy was playing out at the New London, Connecticut, institution.

Donahue wrote that the academy was required to make the changes because of the president’s executive order withdrawing past climate change policies as well as a Feb. 14 directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem had ordered department officials to “eliminate all climate change activities and the use of climate change terminology in DHS policies and programs.”

This is old news (over three months old) and because I don’t want the blog to become politicized I ask that you hold your comments.

Some would say this is good. Some will say this is bad. In a way, I think it will make little difference because the topic is very public. Sometimes withholding information just awakens curiosity. Hopefully the faculty will fill the time made available with something useful.

Just wanted you to know.

“USCG HQ is reorganizing to better serve the nation’s finest fighting force” –News Release

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Below is a post from MyCG. It’s probably important. I have been away from the Puzzle Palace so long I really don’t know how much of a change this is, so comments are welcome.

I do find the phase “…the nation’s finest fighting force” a bit over the top. I am sure the Marines would question this. The Coast Guard may provide the best return on investment in the Federal government, but it is not because of our prowess as a fighting force. I welcome the recent reemphasis on the Coast Guard’s role as an armed naval force, but this is unrealistic. If we want to be taken seriously as an armed force, we need to be a lot more specific about what the Coast Guard needs and what the service can and will be able to do.

The Coast Guard needs a frank and honest exchange with Navy and JCS. We need a mobilization plan. There may be one in a vault somewhere but unless we test, practice, and train for the missions, it is useless. There are opportunities for synergy with the Navy Reserve where they can reinforce CG units to provide expertise and even equipment the Coast Guard lacks.

Hopefully, we will see what Elvis asked for, “A little less conversation, a little more action, please.”

June 25, 2025

USCG HQ is reorganizing to better serve the nation’s finest fighting force, By Christie St. Clair, MyCG Staff

As part of Force Design 2028, we’re reorganizing Coast Guard headquarters to support you and ensure your unit’s mission success.

Effective July 1, we will establish a Chief of Staff to help headquarters work more effectively. And we’ll restructure Mission Support into two new directorates: a Deputy Commandant for Personnel (DCP) and a Deputy Commandant for Systems (DCS).

Chief of Staff (CoS) 
The new Coast Guard Chief of Staff will improve coordination across headquarters, streamline decision-making, foster a culture of accountability and agility, and ensure headquarters focuses on big-picture strategy rather than individual operational decisions. The Assistant Commandant for Resources (CG-8), Director of Governmental and Public Affairs (CG-092), and Force Design 28 Implementation Team will report to the CoS.

Deputy Commandant for Personnel (DCP)  
DCP will recruit, access, and provide training, professional development, and career opportunities for military members, civilians, and auxiliarists. We will also provide our military members and families the housing, childcare, and medical care they deserve.

DCP will include:

  • Assistant Commandant for Total Workforce Management (CG-TWM) will unite both military and civilian personnel management and add a Civilian Personnel Management (CPM) division under the Personnel Service Center (PSC).
  • Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services (CG-WFS) will focus on programs that support your well-being and family life, including Anti-Hate and Harassment, Wellness, and Support Services. A new Workforce and Family Services Center (WFCS) will execute the activities associated with these programs.
  • Force Readiness Command (CG-FC) will combine recruiting, training, and leadership development activities to provide a more seamless experience throughout your career.
  • Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CG-CMO) will focus on medical policy and healthcare delivery.

Deputy Commandant for Systems (DCS) 
DCS will get and maintain better equipment and technology, at the speed our 24/7 global operations demand, and ensure it is ready for you to conduct critical missions. We will cancel programs that fall short of expectation and build capabilities that maximize your unit’s operational impact.

Separate Program Executive Offices (PEOs) will manage our assets through the full acquisition to sustainment lifecycle to ensure we have the right assets, in the right place, at the right time.

DCS will include:

  • PEO – Surface will manage surface vessel acquisition and maintenance and oversee Surface Acquisitions Logistics Center (SALC), Project Resident Offices (PROs), and the Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC).
  • PEO – Air will manage aviation acquisition and maintenance and oversee Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) and the Aviation Projects Acquisition Center (APAC).
  • PEO – C5I will manage command, control, communications, computers, and information technology systems and the functions of the Chief Information Officer and oversee the C5I Service Center (C5ISC).
  • PEO – Shore will manage shore infrastructure and facilities and oversee the Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center (SILC) and the Facilities Design and Construction Center (FDCC).
  • PEO – Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) will manage the integration of robotics and unmanned systems into each of our 11 statutory missions.
  • Director of Integration and Chief Acquisitions Office (CG-SI) will unify, oversee, and synchronize all Coast Guard acquisitions.
  • Director of Contracting and Procurement/Head of Contracting Activity (CG-HCA)will provide Coast Guard leaders strategy, counsel, and visibility of contracting and procurement activities, and will embed contracting offices in each PEO to increase effectiveness.

Why are we doing this? 
These are just the first steps toward making the Coast Guard more efficient and effective. Force Design is the service’s biggest overhaul since World War 2, and will ensure the Coast Guard continues its legacy as the nation’s finest military service – both now and long into the future.

Learn more at USCG Force Design 2028.

-USCG-

Resources: 

In the News: 

This Day in Coast Guard History, June 28 / 29

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Based on the Coast Guard Historian’s timeline, https://www.history.uscg.mil/research/chronology/
With inspiration from Mike Kelso

June 28

1946  Peacetime cruises for the cadets of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London Connecticut, were revived.

June 29

Revenue Cutter Dallas 1815

1820  The Revenue cutter Dallas captured the 12-gun brig-of-war General Ramirez, which was loaded with 280 slaves, off St. Augustine.  The July 8, 1820 issue of the Savannah Republican noted:

“On the 28th ultimo, while the Cutter DALLAS was lying in the St. Mary’s River, Captain Jackson received information that the Brig of war GENERAL RAMIREZ, supposed to be a piratical vessel was hovering off St. Augustine.  The Cutter forthwith got under way in pursuit of the Brig having first obtained 12 United States soldiers from Fernandina to strengthen the Cutter’s force.  At half past three the next day, she hailed the Brig and received for answer, “This is the Patriot Brig GENERAL RAMIREZ—-.” Captain Jackson finding a number of blacks on board took possession of the vessel and brought her into St. Mary’s, arriving on the 1st instant.  Captain Jackson found on the Brig about 280 African slaves.  The Captain and crew, 28 in number, acknowledged themselves Americans.”

CDR Frank Erickson, USCG, the first US Naval Aviation helicopter pilot.

1944  CDR Frank A. Erickson landed a helicopter on the flight deck of CGC Cobb. This was the first rotary-wing aircraft-shipboard landing by Coast Guard personnel.

A U.S. Coast Guard Sikorsky HNS-1 helicopter (right) and a Sikorsky HOS-1 (left) conducting experimental flight operations on USCGC Cobb (WPG-181), 15 June 1944.

1950  The Coast Guard adopted a Navy directive relative to security measures, including precautions against possible sabotage at installations and aboard ships.

The components and operation of the Cospas-Sarsat system

1982  The Soviet Union launched COSPAS I, the first search and rescue satellite ever launched.  In combination with later SARSAT satellites, a new multi-agency, international, search and rescue service was made operational.

USS Stockdale (DDG 106). U.S. Navy File Photo

2013  A Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) returned home from a four-month counter piracy deployment to the Middle East.  The team was comprised of three units: Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Los Angeles-Long Beach, MSST San Diego, and the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET) out of San Diego.  Under the direction of the U. S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, the team served aboard the U.S. Naval guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale, working side by side with the ship’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team assigned to Combined Task Force 151.  While on board the Stockdale, the team’s primary mission was to fight maritime terrorism and counter piracy.  The AIT and VBSS conducted joint training for counter piracy, illegal activity interdictions, and boardings.  The training also included space accountability for hidden compartments, mock medical emergencies, and planning and executing mission contingencies.  CTF-151 was a multi-national task force working under Combined Maritime Forces to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.  Augmented by members from the Coast Guard, the joint-unit team was engaged in stemming illegal piracy and armed robbery at sea.

Is the Coast Guard Really Smaller than the NYPD?

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HITRON member from Jacksonville, Fla., mans an M-240 machine gun on board a Stingray MH-68A helicopter during a homeland security patrol around New York City

I keep hearing that the Coast Guard is smaller than the NYPD. Is it true?

I don’t like hearing this because, it seems to demean the service and may cause some to dismiss it as unimportant.

In fact, for at least the last 30 years the size of the Coast Guard has increased while the size of other armed forces has declined.

The NYPD also has trouble recruiting, but, even so, crime statistics in New York City are way down, so the NYPD is not greatly under strength. An 11 March 2025 report states, “…recruitment has become difficult… NYPD ranks dropping from 37,000 uniformed officers in 2018 to 33,000 today.” According to Wikipedia, “As of October 2023, the NYPD’s current authorized uniformed strength is 33,536. There are also 19,454 civilian employees, including approximately 3,500 traffic enforcement agents, 4,500 auxiliary police officers (unpaid volunteers–Chuck), and 5,500 school safety agents (these are professional peace officers with at least 20 weeks of training, not crossing guards–Chuck) are presently employed by the department as well as being deployed on the streets.” The total work force is over 52,000 of those about 48,000 are paid positions.

By comparison the Coast Guard work force is about 51,000 paid employees, including about 9500 civilian employees. In addition there are over 20,000 in the auxiliary.

Let’s put this old saw to bed. The Coast Guard is not smaller than the NYPD.

So, how big is the U.S. Coast Guard?

Within the Department of Homeland Security

The Department has about 240,000 employees. The Coast Guard is no longer the largest agency in the Department, as I think it was when the Department was initially formed.

Not as large as Customs and Border Protection: CBP has more than 58,000 employes.

Not as large as the Transportation Security Administration: TSA has about 58,600 employees, but the Coast Guard’s budget is larger.

Bigger than Citizenship and Immigration Services: About 24,200 employees. 

Bigger than Immigration and Customs Enforcement: “ICE now has more than 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel…”

Bigger than FEMA but with a smaller budget. about 17,300 employees

Bigger than the Secret Service: Secret Service has about 8,300 employees

Maritime Agencies in the Federal Government

Bigger than NOAA: “In 2021, NOAA had 11,833 civilian employees. Its research and operations are further supported by 321 uniformed service members, who make up the NOAA Commissioned Corps.” The Coast Guard budget is almost twice that of NOAA.

Bigger than Military Sealift Command: Their workforce is less than 10,000 including some US Navy personnel.

Bigger than the US Merchant Marine: The US merchant Marine has about 13,000 mariners  including almost half in Military Sealift Command.

Way bigger than the Maritime Administration: MARAD has about 800 employees. Coast Guards budget is an order of magnitude larger than that of MARAD.

Compared to International Navies

The US Coast Guard has no aircraft carriers, submarines, or well armed aircraft but it does have a relatively large number of ships, aircraft, mariners and air crewmen. There are several medium sized navies that are larger than the US Coast Guard, but the Coast Guard is still a significant force.

Bigger than the French Navy, with more personnel, more ships, and more aircraft.

Bigger than the UK’s Royal Navy, with more personnel, more ships, and more aircraft.

National Security Implications:

“Convoy WS-12: A Vought SB2U Vindicator scout bomber from USS Ranger (CV-4) flies anti-submarine patrol over the convoy, while it was en route to Cape Town, South Africa, 27 November 1941. The convoy appears to be making a formation turn from column to line abreast. Two-stack transports in the first row are USS West Point (AP-23) — left –; USS Mount Vernon (AP-22) and Coast Guard manned transport USS Wakefield (AP-21). Heavy cruisers, on the right side of the first row and middle of the second, are USS Vincennes (CA-44) and USS Quincy (CA-39). Single-stack transports in the second row are Coast Guard manned transports USS Leonard Wood (AP-25) and USS Joseph T. Dickman (AP-26).”

When the President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on the Empire of Japan, The Coast Guard was already expanding rapidly, escorting convoys, and manning Transports for the US Navy bound for a combat zone.

The US has a serious shortage of Mariners needed to provide logistics support for any overseas military operation. The Coast Guard is a major reservoir of trained mariners and air crewmen. If there is a major conflict, the Coast Guard will called upon to protect, rescue, and perhaps stand in for the American merchant marine.

This Day in Coast Guard History, June 27

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Based on the Coast Guard Historian’s timeline, https://www.history.uscg.mil/research/chronology/
With inspiration from Mike Kelso

June 27

1851  The British bark Henry stranded off Bridgehampton Beach, Long Island with 204 persons on board. All were safely landed with government surf boat.

1935  Coast Guard aviator LT Richard L. Burke set a world record for altitude in an amphibious aircraft when he reached 5449 meters (17877.2) feet with a 500 kilogram load on this date in 1935.  He piloted Coast Guard Grumman JF-2 (V-167).

A U.S. Coast Guard Grumman JF-2 Duck (serial V148) in the mid to late 1930s.

The Coast Guard Cutter Walnut, homeported in Honolulu, Hi., off the coast of Iraq in the North Arabian Gulf April 19, 2003. The Walnut is replacing buoys in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway to ensure safe transit for vessels sailing to the port of Umm Kusr including vessels bringing humanatarian aid to the people of Iraq.

2003  CGC Walnut, homeported in Honolulu, returned home after being deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  She deployed to the North Arabian Gulf in January with an oil spill recovery system in the event the regime of Saddam Hussein committed any acts of environmental terrorism.  When those threats did not materialize, the cutter conducted maritime interception operations enforcing U.N. Security Council resolutions, participated in the search for two downed United Kingdom helicopters, and patrolled and provided assistance to captured Iraqi offshore oil terminals being secured by Coast Guard port security personnel. The cutter’s crew completely replaced 30 buoys and repaired an additional five along the 41-mile Khawr Abd Allah Waterway.  This ATON mission vastly improved the navigational safety of the waterway for humanitarian aid, commercial, and military vessels sailing to the port and was a critical step to economic recovery for the people of Iraq.

USCGC Assateague

2014  CGC Assateague returned to home port in Apra Harbor, Guam following a six-day exclusive economic zone enforcement patrol.  While underway the cutter patrolled the western-most area of the exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles west of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana’s Island chain, ensuring no foreign fishing vessels were fishing within waters of the United States and that all U.S. fishing vessels were doing so in accordance with the United States’ applicable maritime laws.  Additionally, during its transit north, the cutter transported supplies to the Pagan Installation Project, which consists of a joint partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government.  The project, which is being done on the remote island of Pagan in the northern part of the CNMI chain, is being done to install seismic sensors, monitoring stations, and seismic cables in an effort to monitor volcanic activity.  To facilitate their efforts, Assateague crewmembers met with project managers in Saipan to pick up 700 pounds of five gallon water jugs, 1,200 pounds of cement bags, tents and camping supplies, and various sized batteries, which were all then transported to Pagan.  These items were greatly needed due to the sheer isolation and remoteness of Pagan, which houses only seven permanent residents and is 170 miles north of Saipan, the closest inhabited island with modern amenities.