We’ve discussed the rapid build-up of China’s coast guard like agencies particularly the Chinese Maritime Surveillance Agency (CMS) (here and here), . Here are pictures of the build-up underway. We have not had a scene like this in the US for over two decades.
The type 056 referred to is a new Chinese Navy corvette program that is being built in large numbers by four different shipyards. They are also expected to be used to enforce China’s sovereignty.
Defensemedianetwork is reporting BAE is showing a new generation of the Mk38 gun mount that already equips several Cutters. In additions to improvements to the system as a weapon, there are also improvements to the associated electro-optic system that should make it even more useful for SAR, LE, and navigation.
The mount is enclosed. The gun caliber increases from 25mm to 30mm providing more range and there is a coaxial .50 caliber. Maximum elevation of the mount is increased from 40 to 75 degrees. Ready ammunition on the mount is tripled.The display and control system is improved and there is a mode specifically designed for firing warning shots.
Photo: Mk 38′s 30 mm cannon with coaxial machine gun. The stealth faceting of the mount is obvious in this shot. Photo by Mrityunjoy Mazumdar
(Thanks to Lee for pointing this out)
Navyrecognition.com is reporting that VT Halter Marine is teaming with French shipbuilder DCNS to offer a design for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).
This should not come as a surprise. Almost two years ago DCNS posted a design and indicated they were interested in partnering. Below is the illustration they offered at the time, and it looks very much like the same ship. If so, it is 100 meters in length and 3,700 tons. DCNS is also produced the Gowind series of proposed Corvette and OPV designs including L’Adroit, which was built on speculation and is currently on loan to the French Navy. One of their designs, which looks similar to the illustration has also been reportedly selected by the Malaysian Navy for six proposed “Littoral Combat Ships.”
One of the unique features of L’Adroit is the single integrated mast/sensor array, which is also apparently included in this design.
DCNS
Thanks to Xav for bringing this to our attention.
FierceHomlandSecuroty brought to my attention a Study by DHS (.pdf) they obtained under the Freedom of information act.
A cursory scan of the study suggest that (at 392 pages), it is a rich source of data and probably of continuing interest, so I have added it to the blog’s references page. I’ll try to give a more in depth review later. I have also added an earlier report–GAO briefing slides for Congressional Committees, April 20, 2012, “Observations on the Coast Guard’s and the Department of Homeland Security’s Fleet Studies”[PDF]
The study helps explain the apparent cancellation of NSCs #7 and 8, in that the DHS study finds very little difference in mission performance between NSCs and OPC, to justify the NSCs apparently much higher price, but it also leaves room for a revision of this decision because, they expect not building NSCs would reduce the fleet’s capabilities at least into the 2030s. The study recognized there remain many unknowns and at least to some extent recognizes the urgency of replacing the cutter fleet, so, at least to my reading, it identifies no definitive single best course of action.
Wanted to make a quick recommendation that you take a look at a post over at gCaptain. It reports that a contract has been issued for Azipods to equip a new Russian icebreaker, but it also has a good video advertisement that explains the systems and shows them in operation including the relatively new method of icebreaking by going astern and its maneuvering advantages on a very large cruise ship. If you are not already familiar with these systems, I think you’ll find it interesting.
The arrangement being used on the icebreaker is interesting, there are two 7.5 MW thrusters and a 10 MW shafted centerline unit. Total output is 25MW or 33,500 HP.
Since the terrorist attack on Mumbai in 2008, the Indians have taken their Coast Guard very seriously, acting to increase its size by 200% and working to provide enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and improved coordination with other agencies.
The MDA system appears to exploit relatively simple and familiar technology, including using light houses as sites for radars and electro-optic devices. (Perhaps some day we will regret disposing of all those old light houses.)
The description is here.
It looks like the Indian Coast Guard may also be on track to create a fleet of large Offshore Patrol Vessels more numerous than that of the USCG, despite the fact that their EEZ is only one fifth the size of that of the US.
With the decline in the number of USCG ships from 39 to at most 33, and perhaps as few as 22, it appears that there may soon be at least three “coast guards” with more large patrol vessels than the USCG: Japan, China, and India (Russia and S. Korea are also not far behind). Certainly China and India have large populations, but the US has a far larger Exclusive Economic Zone than any of these countries.
Size of Exclusive Economic Zone
Each of these organization is organized differently and has different missions, but in general the USCG has the broadest array of responsibilities.
In terms of personnel, the Japanese Coast Guard is less than a third the size of the USCG but they already have more large patrol vessels than the USCG (52), including some that are much larger than even the Bertholf Class. They do have fewer aircraft (73).
There is a Chinese Coast Guard, but it is only one of at least five agencies that do “coast guard” missions. Taken together their personnel far out number the USCG, and their number of ships is rapidly increasing (more here). If they don’t have 40 large patrol ships already they soon will.
India’s Coast Guard is also relatively young. It also seems to be the most closely aligned with its Navy counterparts, being part of the Defense Ministry. Their aviation branch is also smaller than the USCG’s but it is expanding. If their current plans reach fruition, they will have more large cutters than the USCG by 2027.
Do these nations recognize a reality we do not?
Related: “Indian CG Building Ships, Buying Helos, Domain Awareness,” “India on the Challenges of Guarding the Coast“
Since it began only a short time ago, I have been impressed with the quality of “The Naval Diplomat.” It is included on my list of recommended blogs, but I would particularly like to suggest this post, “Command of the Sea by Non-Traditional Means,” since the Coast Guard has had a central role in its realization.
US Coast Guard photograph
Today is the 70th anniversary of the death of SM1 Douglas Munro, who died saving 250 Marines from almost certain death, on an isolated beach, on an infamous killing ground called Guadalcanal.
Most all of us who have served in the Coast Guard have heard the story. For background there is also the story of the unit he was part of, NOB Cactus.
I find myself asking again, will there be a Cutter Munro? It was to have been the seventh National Security Cutter, but it has been deferred indefinitely. I still feel, naming the first OPC for our Medal of Honor winner, and giving his name to the entire class, would be most appropriate.
The Acquisition Directorate (CG-9) has announce release of the Request for Proposal for the phase one of the Offshore Patrol Cutter Procurement.http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg9/newsroom/updates/opc092512.asp
“This is the final Request for Proposal (RFP) for the United States Coast Guard’s requirement for Preliminary & Contract Design (P&CD), Detail Design (DD), and construction of up to 11 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC).”
Responses are due by 10 January, 2013.
CG-9 listed eight interested shipyards as of July 2012. These included Bath Iron Works, Bollinger, Eastern Shipbuilding, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Marinette Marine, NASSCO, Vigor shipyards, and VT Halter Marine.
My last update on the status of the project which goes into some depth can be found here.
I was going to post this as a comment on an earlier post, but the pictures are too dramatic to miss. The Taiwanese and Japanese are taking this to new level. Take a look.
More here.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 