“U.S. Coast Guard’s cyber defenses have golden opportunity for massive overhaul” –The Watch

Posted on by
13

Army National Guardsmen and Coast Guardsmen participate in a 2022 U.S. Cyber Command drill in Arkansas. With historic funding, the Coast Guard has an opportunity to bolster its cybersecurity mission. U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

The NORTHCOM on line magazine, “The Watch” reports,

“The United States Coast Guard has a rare opportunity to make wholesale upgrades to its cybersecurity defenses, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) proposed in an October 2025 opinion article for the nonprofit think tank in Washington, D.C. Joel Coito, a CSIS defense fellow and U.S. Coast Guard commander, said the window of opportunity has been boosted by $25 billion in congressional funding, the result of rare political consensus among federal lawmakers on the importance of cybersecurity at the nation’s ports and maritime approaches. That consensus should be seized by policymakers to strengthen cyber defenses through bolstering the Coast Guard’s cybersecurity, Coito wrote.”

The post does not provide a link to the CSIS report it quotes but I believe this is it.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Future of Maritime Cybersecurity

There is a lot of good information on the state of Coast Guard Cyber and the future path it might take including career opportunities.

“Regulatory, legislative, and policy developments have provided the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with new cybersecurity tools and expanded authorities to secure the marine transportation system (MTS) from cyber threats. At the same time, budgetary headwinds that historically plagued the service have shifted. With nearly $25 billion of funding in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the USCG finds itself in the favorable—if unfamiliar—position of having resource winds at its back. The result? A chance for generational change in safeguarding the maritime cyber domain and bolstering the USCG cyber workforce. This commentary prescribes a path to capitalize on these legislative, policy, and funding wins: confirmation of key USCG senior leaders, enhanced cyber talent management, passage of pending USCG cyber legislation, broader interagency integration of USCG cyber capabilities, and rapid integration of private sector tools.”

Polar Star spends 50th Birthday rescuing a Cruise Ship in Antarctica

Posted on by
1

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) responds to a request for assistance from an Australian-owned cruise ship, Scenic Eclipse II, stuck in the Ross Sea amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026 on the cutter’s 50th birthday, Jan. 17, 2026. Operation Deep Freeze is one of the more challenging U.S. military peacetime missions due to the harsh environment in which it is conducted and this year also commemorates the Polar Star’s 50th year of service. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)

Seems likely this sort of thing will become more common.

“THE ARCTIC IS A STRATEGIC DISTRACTION” –CIMSEC

Posted on by
2

Map of the Arctic region showing shipping routes Northeast Passage, Northern Sea Route, and Northwest Passage, and bathymetry, Arctic Council, by Susie Harder

CIMSEC has an interesting article that argues against much we have heard lately. It also may represent a view that may prevail in the next administration.

“Over the past five years, numerous articles have called for increased U.S. defense resources focused on the Arctic. This is a strategic mistake, a distraction.

“This article will outline the reasons proponents feel the high north has increased value, examine the actual strategic value of each, and show that none is sufficient to divert scarce resources from higher value theaters.”

Personally I disagree with this,

“…the United States should…also reduce its icebreaker contract to the maximum of six suggested by the Coast Guard. While the current two icebreakers may be insufficient, the proposed buy is much too large. It will take shipbuilding resources away from the Navy at a time when the fleet is understrength and has no path to sufficient numbers of ships.

In the first place the number the Coast Guard had been using was nine not six.

The additional ship building resources used to build the Arctic Security Cutters, other than perhaps the labor, might not exist if it were not for this program and these yards may develop into assets that will build ships for the Navy.

We may not need eleven Arctic Security Cutters, and it may not be the best use of the funds, but we can definitely use eleven. I cannot see more than that.

These are not as capable as the medium icebreakers originally planned. They do not have the horsepower, so we probably need more than the four or five previously planned.

They can do things we had not previously planned for the Arctic Security Cutters. They can break ice on the Great Lakes. They can keep ports in Alaska open.

While these ships may provide an excess of icebreaking capability, they can be used for other Coast Guard missions as well. Like the Canadian AOPS, they can be used as patrol cutters when not used as icebreakers. They are not ideal, but they are useable.

I see the possibility of future conflict over Antarctica. If that should happen, we may be very glad we have them.

“New Gulfstream 700 VIP Jet For U.S. Coast Guard Emerges” –The War Zone

Posted on by
8

Gulfstream 700 Long Range Command and Control Aircraft.

The War Zone reports,

“We have what appears to be the first look at one of two new Gulfstream 700 (G700) VIP jets for the U.S. Coast Guard. The jet notably has a livery almost identical to that of a 737 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) with a luxurious VVIP interior and clear ties to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rather than a more typical Coast Guard paint scheme.”

“China Coast Guard presence near Japan-controlled islands reaches record high in 2025” –Indo-Pacific Defense Forum

Posted on by
2

A Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel monitors a China Coast Guard vessel off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in April 2024. KYODO/REUTERS

The Japan Coast Guard is responding to Chinese Coast Guard gray zone provocations in the contiguous zone around the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, leading to increased tensions and prompting the Japan Coast Guard to increase the armament on their cutters.

“Chinese government vessels’ approaches to the Senkakus have increased sharply since 2012 when Tokyo bought three of the islands from a private owner. The CCG initially deployed one vessel at a time but now routinely dispatches four at a time, the JCG reported. Since mid-2024, all four vessels have been equipped with deck-mounted autocannons such as 76 mm guns.”

But I wanted to highlight one particular paragraph.

“..the CCG has been rapidly increasing its fleet size and capabilities, including weapons. According to the JCG, the CCG operated 161 vessels with full-load displacement of 1,000 tons or more as of December 2024 compared with the JCG’s 78 vessels in that category.”

Now, how many do we have?

  • 4 Icebreakers
  • 16 WLB (ocean going buoy tenders
  • 10 National Security Cutters
  • 13 WMEC270
  • 8 WMEC 210
  • USCGC Alex Haley
  • USCGC Eagle

53 ships (I think that is right) for a nation with the second largest EEZ on earth (France’s EEZ is slightly larger).

The US EEZ is about two and a half times the size of that of Japan and about five time the sized of China’s claimed EEZ more than half of which is disputed.

Seventh Oil Tanker Seized

Posted on by
3

Below is a SOUTHCOM news release.

Jan. 20, 2026

Maritime Interdiction Operation, Jan. 20, 2026

Through Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with U.S. Coast Guard through the Department of Homeland Security and The Justice Department.

This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident. The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully. As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability.

These operations are backed by the full power our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean.

“Coast Guard cutter returns to Florida after escorting recently seized motor tanker” –SE District

Posted on by
4

U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers transfer from the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) to a motor tanker by a helicopter crew assigned to U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 7, 2026. Vigilant escorted the tanker, which was seized by a joint Coast Guard and Department of War team for conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Feehery)

Below is a press release from the Southeast District. This is a 61 year old ship, still doing the job.

Anyone know what this device, pictured below, cropped from photo above, is?

U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Vigilant (WMEC-617). 2 March 2008. Photo by Workman via Wikipedia.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617), right, sails in the Western Atlantic Ocean while escorting a motor tanker after a right of visit boarding, Jan. 7, 2026. Vigilant escorted the motor tanker, which was seized by a Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Navy Photo)

Jan. 20, 2026

Coast Guard cutter returns to Florida after escorting recently seized motor tanker

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) returned to Cape Canaveral on Friday after a 33-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea supporting operations Pacific Viper and Southern Spear.

During the patrol, Vigilant escorted a motor tanker, which was seized by a U.S. Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea. Vigilant’s crew coordinated with naval and law enforcement partners to transfer personnel and provisions to the tanker. A law enforcement team from Vigilant boarded the vessel to provide security during the 600-nautical-mile transit to the United States.

Cmdr. Steve Welch, commanding officer of Vigilant, said, “I am proud of the crew’s adaptability and professionalism during this mission of national importance. Their performance ensured the safe execution of the operation in partnership with the Department of War.”

Unique statutory authorities enable the Coast Guard to enforce international and domestic law in the maritime domain, deploying assets to conduct missions in U.S. waters and on the high seas. The Coast Guard’s involvement in this seizure was conducted under Title 14, U.S. Code and in accordance with customary international law. The Coast Guard exercises these authorities to protect maritime safety, security, and U.S. interests.

“Coast Guard Cutter Alert returns home after interdicting more than $18.4M in narcotics during 45-day patrol” –Southeast District

Posted on by
Reply

Costa Rican Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) crew members pose for a photo aboard the cutter in Golfito, Costa Rica, Jan. 2, 2026. Alert’s crew hosted the Costa Rican personnel for a tour of the cutter and embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter as well as discussions of ways to strengthen the presence of international counter-drug efforts in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Ethan Lasher)

Below is a news release. It is pretty routine but I wanted to point out a couple of things.

This more than 56 year old ship is still doing useful work.

The US Coast Guard has been helping the Costa Rican Coast Guard since the 1980s.

Jan. 15, 2026

Coast Guard Cutter Alert returns home after interdicting more than $18.4M in narcotics during 45-day patrol

Cape Canaveral, Fla. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) returned to their home port in Cape Canaveral, Thursday, following a 45-day counter-drug patrol in the Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean.

While underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility, Alert’s crew interdicted a go-fast style vessel trafficking illegal narcotics in the Windward Passage. The crew seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.4 million, seven pounds of marijuana valued at $7,000 and an illegal firearm. The four suspected smugglers on board, narcotics and firearm were transferred to the Bahamas government for prosecution.

“I am immensely proud of my crew’s unwavering dedication,” said Cmdr. Mario Gil, commanding officer of Alert. “Time spent away from family and missed holidays represents a significant sacrifice, which makes their commitment to combating narco-terrorism and protecting our nation’s borders from illicit drugs all the more commendable, as demonstrated by the extraordinary success of this patrol.”

In the region, Alert’s crew also patrolled in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry while underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility. Crew member presence in the vicinity of Haiti served to deter unsafe and illegal migration.

While transiting the Panama Canal, the crew had the distinct honor of hosting Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador to Panama, aboard the cutter for a tour of the ship, discussions about current operations and a Miami-inspired lunch prepared by Alert’s culinary specialists.

The crew also supported U.S. – Panama relations by hosting eight members from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and Joint Maritime Force – Panama for joint training and a professional exchange of counter-narcotics best practices. Crew members conducted multiple joint pursuit-style, simulated interdictions with vessels and forces from SENAN. This training provided continued support of the Salas-Becker Complementary Agreement of 2002, which created a framework for U.S.–Panama bilateral cooperation to counter illicit drug trafficking by sea and air.

During a port-of-call visit to Golfito, Costa Rica, Alert’s crew welcomed representatives from the Costa Rican Coast Guard aboard for a tour of the ship and an embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, based in Jacksonville. The visit fostered joint nation inoperability and strengthened international counter-drug efforts in the region.

While at sea in the Coast Guard Southwest District area of responsibility, the crew conducted boardings to verify and enforce international law at sea in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

In addition, Alert crew members earned the title of shellback after crossing the equator, a title few sailors earn during a career.

“Successful JAGM Quad Launcher Demo Showcases 90-Degree Vertical Launch And C-UAS Capabilities” –Lockheed Martin

Posted on by
8

An earlier launch using the JASM Quad Launcher (JQL)

Below is a Lockheed Martin news release. Hellfire, JAGM, and the longer ranged JAGM MR can be fired from this launcher. The launcher has been in the works since 2020.

Lockheed prepare for the first JAGM test fire from a JQL launcher in October 2025. Credit: Lockheed Martin.

Even only one quad launcher would be a huge upgrade in the capabilities of Webber class WPCs. It appears Lockheed has decided they will market the launchers in trainable mounts that allow the canisters to be reloaded with little or no special equipment, either as single quad launchers or as multiple quad launchers mounted together. Our larger cutters might also benefit from adding this capability.

A close-up of the Hellfire/JAGM launchers on the Arleigh Burke model on display at the 2025 Surface Navy Association symposium. Joseph Trevithick

CHINA LAKE, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 – For the first time, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) conducted a successful 90-degree launch of a Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) from the JAGM Quad Launcher (JQL) during a demonstration in China Lake, California.

THE BIG PICTURE

  • In the demonstration, JAGM proved its ability to neutralize UAS threat systems.
  • It also demonstrated the versatility of the JQL launcher, which was mounted to a Richard Childress Racing 6×6 Mothership vehicle.

WHY IT MATTERS

  • Validating JAGM & JQL full vertical-launch capability: This demonstration validated JAGM’s full vertical‑launch capability across multiple platforms, including surface‑combatant vessels, which provides a 360‑degree defensive envelope for maritime vessels and other platforms. With JAGM’s advanced dual-mode seeker (SAL/MMW), this integration effort presents JAGM as the ideal munition solution for the U.S. Navy and its allies’ mission-critical needs.
  • Showcasing counter-UAS technology: The successful engagement of a UAS threat with JAGM underscores the missile’s ability to detect, track and neutralize hostile threats including drones, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and other air threats. This is an increasingly vital capability that modern naval forces need to address emerging threats.
  • Multidomain mission integration: The integration of JAGM with the JQL highlights Lockheed Martin’s ability to provide flexible, mission‑tailored deployment across air, sea and land environments. Operators can select from a range of engagement envelopes to meet specific user mission objectives.

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES

  • “The successful JQL vertical‑launch demonstration confirms that JAGM can be rapidly deployed from a multimissile launcher across a variety of scenarios, while delivering the network‑centric integration our global users demand,” said Casey Walsh, program management director, Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Missile Systems. “This milestone validates our vision of a unified missile architecture that seamlessly operates across air, land and sea domains, enhancing survivability and flexibility for future combat operations.”
  • “Lockheed Martin continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in vertical launch system development, driving innovation and advancement in the field,” said Edward Dobeck, director, Lockheed Martin Launching Systems. “This proven combat-ready capability meets multidomain deployment objectives today, and provides the same reliability expected of all our launching systems.”

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.