CIMSEC (Center for International Maritime Security) does a weekly podcast they call “Sea Control.” This week, they talk to James Daffer, a USCG Mobile Training Branch member about his experiences.
USCG Adventures–CIMSEC
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MARAD Seeks Input for Maritime Policy Formation
The Federal Register has recently published a request for agenda topics leading to development of a national maritime strategy.
“The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites the public and other Marine Transportation System stakeholders to participate in a discussion intended to develop a robust national maritime strategy. The purpose of this public meeting is to gather ideas for improving the Nation’s cargo opportunities and sealift capacity while ensuring future sustainability. Speaker and topic proposals for the public meeting’s agenda are requested and may be submitted to the docket referenced above. The meeting agenda will be published in the docket and on the MARAD Web site at a later date, after consideration of responses received in the docket.”
Thanks to Maritime Memos for bringing this to my attention.
New Type Vessel?
Looks like the Coast Guard may soon be dealing with an entirely different type of vessel, and perhaps needing to protect a new type of infrastructure target.
Cnet is reporting that Google may be building a floating data center in San Francisco Bay.
World’s Largest Floating Structure
gCaptain reports on progress on Shell’s Floating Liquified Natural Gas Facility being built in South Korea, “a 488 meter (1600 feet long–Chuck), 600,000 dwt vessel that will eventually be moored offshore Australia to produce, liquefy, store, and offload natural gas.” (includes video)
With the US producing and exporting natural gas perhaps we will be seeing one of these off the US coast. If we do, it may represent a whole new set of challenges for the Coast Guard.
DHS Secretary Nominated, Leadership in Disarray
Fiercehomelandsecurity is reporting the President has nominated Jeh Johnson, formerly the Defense Department’s general counsel, to serve as the next homeland security secretary. Undoubtedly the department needs leadership. Currently the Department has an acting Secretary, acting Deputy Secretary, and acting Inspector General.
Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and nominee for DHS Deputy Secretary is already under fire, reportedly being investigated by the department Inspector General for helping a prominent politician secure investor visas.
Fiercehomelandsecurity also reports that the Deputy Inspector General Charles Edwards was questioned by letter from Sens. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.)–the chairwoman and ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee on financial and contracting oversight, regarding accusations of abuse of power and nepotism. Edwards currently heads the IG staff, as the IG position has long been vacant.
I have to say I am disappointed the President did not choose someone with a more operationally oriented background.
Smuggling in Large Vessels Using the Rudder Trunk
Officerofthewatch.com reports a bit different hidden compartment smuggling scheme, using the rudder trunk to smuggle contraband or even people.
“Boat Lift” in the Med
Defensenews reports the Italian Coast Guard seems to be contending with their own version of a “boat lift” as refugees from the chaotic and poverty ridden areas of Africa and the Middle East attempt to make it to more prosperous areas.
Typical Migrant Interdiction Operation (MIO)–unsavory operators, overloaded unseaworthy vessels equal mass drownings.
A New Ship Shape–Zumwalt, DDG-1000
The design of the Zumwalt, DDG-1000, isn’t likely to influence Cutter designs much, but it is interesting and she is nearing completion. Her christening party had been scheduled for Oct 19, but has been delayed due to the government shutdown. Take a a look at Defensenews’ photos.
Drug Sub Builder Held
Slate.com is reporting the man behind the building of three true submarines intended for smuggling drugs is facing trial, and many of those who worked with him have either been tried or taken plea bargains.
If you want a refresher on the result of his efforts, there is pretty good info on one of the submarines that he produced here.
We have talked about these before and their implications for the Coast Guard. Related:
Helping Build and Maintain Narco-subs
New Type Narco Sub–a “Snot Boat?”
Narco Sub Photos and Video re Evolution of Semi-Submersibles
A True Narco Submarine–Counter Measures?
Crew Rotation Discussed
Sunday, 13 Oct at 1700/5pm (Eastern U.S.) the podcast “Midrats” will air Episode 197: Sea Swap & Small Unit Leadership
If you catch the live podcast, you can join in the online discussion, but if you miss it live you can still hear the archived version. It will last approximately an hour.
The topic is the Navy’s version of crew rotation. The guest speaker will be LT Hipple, a surface warfare officer and graduate of Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. He is author of a July 2013 US Naval Institute Proceedings article, “Sea Swap – Its a Trap” and Director of the Center for Maritime Security’s (CIMSEC) NEXTWAR blog and hosts the Sea Control podcast.
The Navy does have even stronger motivation for crew swaps than the Coast Guard since it is desirable to avoid the long transit from homeports in the US to distant operating areas.
We’ve discussed crew swaps here before:
Basically I favor other forms of augmented crewing that will retain some sense of ownership, provide more days away from homeport for the ship, but retain the current approximate 185 days away for the individual crewmembers by a combination of leave, temporary assignment to support facilities ashore for crewmembers, and temporary relief for critical crew members by personnel with recent experience in the type, from a personnel pool, perhaps in the form of a squadron staff.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 