Navy Issues Large Contract for Development of Unmanned Surface Vehicles

Posted on June 15, 2024 by Chuck Hill

A U.S. Navy L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 drone boat and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC John Scheuerman transit the Strait of Hormuz on April 19, 2023. (Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vincent Aguirre/U.S. Coast Guard)

Below the break is a quote from DOD “Contracts for June 14, 2024.”

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This is a big step toward procurement of an “Unmanned Surface Vehicle Family of Systems.” There can be little doubt the Coast Guard will exploit some of these developments and will probably participate in some of the testing, as they have done with 4th and 5th Fleet.

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Of the 49 partners mentioned, Bollinger is the only one I recognize as a ship builder. Could this mean we will see a Fast Response Cutter emerge as an Optionally manned or Unmanned Surface Vehicle? Probably not, but…

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The funding structure is interesting. This is potentially an almost one billion dollar contract, but the initial commitment is only $49,000, $1,000 to each of the contractors. Sounds like they built in a lot of flexibility.

A multiple-award contract to support current and future unmanned surface vehicle family of systems and subsystems is awarded to the following 49 industry partners: Anduril Industries Inc.,* Costa Mesa, California (N0002424D6306); Applied Research Associates Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico (N0002424D6307); Asymmetric Technologies LLC,* Dublin, Ohio (N0002424D6308); AT&T Corp., Oakton, Virginia (N0002424D6309); Atlas Technologies Inc.,* North Charleston, South Carolina (N0002424D6313); Autonodyne LLC,* Boston, Massachusetts (N0002424D6315); Beast Code LLC,* Fort Walton Beach, Florida (N0002424D6316); Bigelow Family Holdings LLC, doing business as Mettle Ops,* Sterling Heights, Michigan (N0002424D6317); Bollinger Shipyards Lockport LLC, Lockport, Louisiana (N0002424D6318); CACI Inc. – Federal, Chantilly, Virginia (N0002424D6319); Carnegie Robotics LLC, doing business as CR Tactical,* Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (N0002424D6320); Cydecor Inc.,* Arlington, Virginia (N0002424D6361); DELTA Resources Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (N0002424D6363); Fairbanks Morse LLC, Beloit, Wisconsin (N0002424D6364); Teledyne FLIR Surveillance Inc., North Billerica, Massachusetts (N0002424D6365); General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California (N0002424D6366); GIRD Systems Inc.,* Cincinnati, Ohio (N0002424D6367); Herren Associates Inc.,* Washington, D.C. (N0002424D6368); Honeywell International Inc., Clearwater, Florida (N0002424D6369); IERUS Technologies Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama (N0002424D6370); Integer Technologies LLC,* Columbia, South Carolina (N0002424D6371); KIHOMAC Inc.,* Reston, Virginia (N0002424D6372); Leonardo Electronics US Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (N0002424D6373); MAK Technologies Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts (N0002424D6374); Marine Ventures International Inc.,* Stuart, Florida (N0002424D6375); Marinette Marine Corp., Marinette, Wisconsin (N0002424D6376); Metron Inc.,* Reston, Virginia (N0002424D6378); Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Washington (N0002424D6379); Murtech Inc.,* Glen Burnie, Maryland (N0002424D6380); NewSat North America LLC,* Indian Harbour Beach, Florida (N0002424D6381); Noblis MSD LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (N0002424D6382); Novetta Inc., McLean, Virginia (N0002424D6383); Ocean Specialists Inc.,* Stuart, Florida (N0002424D6384); PACMAR Technologies LLC,* Honolulu, Hawaii (N0002424D6377); Persistent Systems LLC,* New York, New York (N0002424D6385); Physical Sciences Inc.,* Andover, Massachusetts (N0002424D6386); Prescient Edge Corp.,* McLean, Virginia (N0002424D6387); Programs Management Analytics & Technologies Inc.,* San Diego, California (N0002424D6388); Reliability & Performance Technologies LLC,* Dublin, Pennsylvania (N0002424D6389); Saab Inc., East Syracuse, New York (N0002424D6390); Scientific Systems Co. Inc.,* Woburn, Massachusetts (N0002424D6391); Secmation, LLC,* Raleigh, North Carolina (N0002424D6392); SES Government Solutions Inc., Reston, Virginia (N0002424D6393); SIMIS Inc.,* Portsmouth, Virginia (N0002424D6394); Sparton DeLeon Springs LLC, De Leon Springs, Florida (N0002424D6395); Systems and Proposal Engineering Co.,* Manassas, Virginia (N0002424D6396); Systems Technology & Research Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama (N0002424D6397); TDI Technologies Inc.,* King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (N0002424D6398); and Triton Systems Inc.,* Chelmsford, Massachusetts (N0002424D6399), are each awarded a firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive-firm-target, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost only, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurements involving one or more functional areas, i.e. payloads, non-payload sensors, mission support systems, autonomy and vehicle control systems, ashore and host platform elements, and logistics and sustainment for the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Family of Systems. The maximum dollar value for all (total number) contracts combined is $982,100,000. Each awardee will be awarded $1,000 (minimum contract guarantee per awardee) at contract award. Work will be performed in various locations in the contiguous U.S. and is expected to be completed by February 2025. These contracts include a five-year ordering period option which, if exercised, will continue work through February 2030. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $49,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. All other funding will be made available at the delivery or task order level as contracting actions occur. These contracts were competitively procured via SAM.gov and there were 55 offers received. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy departs Seattle for Arctic deployment” –News Release

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Chuck Hill

The spouse of a Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmember waves goodbye as the cutter departs Base Seattle for a multi-month deployment to the Arctic, June 12, 2024. The Healy was commissioned in 2000 and is one of two active polar icebreakers in the Coast Guard’s fleet. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Annika Hirschler)

Below is news release.

The crew will support scientists conducting three distinct science missions during Healy’s 2024 Arctic deployment.

The first mission is supporting the Arctic Observing Network, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). During this mission, the cutter will service subsurface moorings in the Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska, and conduct a broad-scale survey of the boundary current system from the Bering Strait to the western Canadian Arctic. This program has been ongoing for more than two decades to improve understanding of the Pacific Arctic ecosystem in a changing climate. Ancillary programs include measurements of harmful algae blooms and a variety of biogeochemical parameters.

For the second mission, Healy will embark 20 early career polar scientists and their mentors on a Polar Chief Scientist Training Cruise sponsored by the NSF and University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System to conduct multidisciplinary research. During a transit of the Northwest Passage, these early career scientists will conduct mapping to fill critical bathymetric gaps and scientific sampling across various disciplines, in addition to developing skills in shipboard leadership, coordination, and execution.

The final mission of the deployment will support the Global Ocean Ship-Based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP), where they aim to make the first ever single ship, single season, high-resolution transect of hydrographic observations across the Arctic basin. This global effort builds on data from as far back as the 1990s to collect repeat oceanographic data from a series of ocean basin transects around the world. The high-resolution surface-to-bottom multidisciplinary observations the team collects during this mission will be compared to earlier partial datasets to better understand the Arctic environment.

“We are excited to support three significant missions in the northern high latitudes,” said Healy’s Commanding Officer Capt. Michele Schallip. “Two of these missions are part of long-standing data collection projects, aimed at enhancing our understanding of a changing Arctic. The third mission is dedicated to inspiring future principal investigators who will continue this important work. At a time when scientific interest in the Arctic Ocean Basin is intensifying, Healy substantially enhances the American Arctic research capability. Healy’s crew have been unwavering in their efforts during our in-port maintenance period, ensuring the cutter is ready to meet the demands of these missions.”

Healy is the United States’ largest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker and the Coast Guard’s only icebreaker designed and equipped with scientific instrumentation by the NSF to support Arctic research. The platform is ideally specialized for scientific missions, providing access to the most remote reaches of the Arctic Ocean. Healy is designed to break 4.5 feet of ice continuously at three knots and can operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit.

“First female and first Latino to take the helm of Key West Joint military command” –Joint Interagency Task Force South

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Chuck Hill

Below is a news release by Public Affairs Officer, Antonia Varner Joint Interagency Task Force South

June 5, 2024

First female and first Latino to take the helm of Key West Joint military command

Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jo-Ann F. Burdian assumed command of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATFS) today, in a change of command ceremony at the Tennessee Williams Theater in Key West, FL. JIATFS is a U.S. Department of Defense entity that detects and monitors illegal drug trafficking in international waters and air within the Western hemisphere, in support of regional security.

Rear Admiral Burdian is the eighteenth director of the 35-year-old task force, the first female, and first latino assuming command from the previous JIATFS director, Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mark J. Fedor.

A native of Queens NY, Rear Admiral Burdian is a 1997 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Government. She also holds a Masters in Public Administration from Florida State University. She has been awarded numerous personal, unit, campaign, and service awards.

The Change of Command ceremony was presided over by General Laura J. Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command.

Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATFS), organized under U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), conducts detection and monitoring operations throughout its joint operations area to facilitate the interdiction of illicit trafficking in support of national and partner nation security. For more information about JIATFS, visit http://www.jiatfs.southcom.mil. For more information about SOUTHCOM, visit: http://www.southcom.mil.

Sweden Selecting New Family of Weapons for Small Craft

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Chuck Hill

Swedish Combat Boat 90 (CB 90) in the port of Gothenburg. Photo by Arco Ardon

Naval News reports,

The Swedish modernization of their coastal troops is continuing, with the formal call for tenders for a new surface-to-surface anti-ship missile. The new weapon will receive the formal designation RBS 18, and unlike the current man-portable Hellfire-missile system used in the short-range anti-ship role by the Swedish marines will be mounted aboard the CB 90 combat boat.

Defense News reports,

“Sweden plans to acquire anti-aircraft guns for its fast-assault boats to counter drones and helicopters…”

Defense Industry Europe reports,

“FMV (Försvarets materielverk), the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, announced the signing of a contract for the delivery of mortar-armed boats as part of the Amfbat 2030 programme.”

The Mortar equipped assault craft appears to be a resurrection of the previously cancelled Combat Boat 2010 program. The associated Patria 120mmAdvanced Mortar System could also be used in a direct fire mode.

The Amphibious Battalion operates between sea and land with the overall task of preventing enemy amphibious assaults. With the new maritime artillery, the fire controller on, for example, a Combat Boat 90 HSM can provide target data to the firing platform, enabling the firing of grenades at a high rate of fire while advancing, for indirect engagement of various types of ground targets. Image: FMV.

What we are seeing is a comprehensive overhaul of Sweden’s approach to littoral combat for their Amphibious Battalions (Amfibiebataljonen) of the Swedish Armed Forces from Stockholm and Gothenburg, assigned with defending the coastline, including numerous islands, against potential amphibious assaults.

While the mortars will be mounted on new construction boats, the new air defense and anti-ship missile systems will be mounted on existing CB90 (combat boat) assault craft.

The CB90 is a very popular product, used by at least nine different nations including the US, UK, and Ukraine. The Russian Navy even has what appears to be unlicensed copies of the craft. Mexico’s eight ship Oaxaca class Offshore Patrol Vessels carry a CB-90 HMN Patrol Interceptor in their well deck.

The CB90 displaces 23 tons and is 52 feet long with a 12.5 foot beam.

If a weapon system fits on a CB90 it will certainly fit on any of the US Coast Guard’s patrol boats and larger cutters.

In all probability the AAW weapon system will include a 30mm chain gun. Short range AAW missiles are possible. Perhaps the APKWS.

The anti-ship missile may be something entirely new. The closest to the description I know of, other than the MARTE MK2/N mentioned in the article, is the Spike NLOS.

“From the Coast Guard to NASA: How Andre Douglas Became a Rarity Among Astronauts” –Military.com

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Chuck Hill

Coast Guard Academy graduate Andre Douglas, shown in a portrait taken on Dec. 3, 2021, was among 10 selected for NASA’s 2021 Astronaut Candidate Program. (Robert Markowitz/NASA photo)

Military.com reports on the life of the third US Coast Guard Academy graduate to complete NASA astronaut training.

“Stationed at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Douglas is currently working on a pressurized lunar rover and a lunar terrain vehicle, as well as designing spacesuits, He is also involved in a project to develop a new lunar space station, Gateway, to support the Artemis missions, which aim to return astronauts to the moon this decade with an eye on eventually traveling to Mars.”

The National Security Cutters as AGIs

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Chuck Hill

Ingalls Shipbuilding successfully completed acceptance trials for the Coast Guard’s ninth national security cutter (NSC), Stone, in October 2020. NSC Stone was accepted Nov. 9, 2020, by the Coast Guard in a socially distanced ceremony. Photo by Lance Davis of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

During the Cold War, every US Navy task force was nearly always accompanied by a little friend, a Soviet AGI.

Oct 28, 1969 – The Soviet intelligence trawler Gidrofon underway with the attack aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and her escort ships in the background.

The Soviet Intelligence Ships would provide near constant updates of the position of US carriers and the ships that were with them.

The recent transit of a group of Russian ships, shadowed by US, Canadian, and French ships and aircraft, including USCGC Stone, got me to thinking how the National Security Cutters (NSC) are an almost perfect asset to tail potentially hostile surface vessels during periods of heightened tension.

They are well equipped to keep surface threats under surveillance and provide continuous updates of their position and activities to cooperating units and the National Command Authority. They have a data link and a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).

NSCs have other advantages over the typical Soviet AGI of the cold war period. They are much faster (28 knots) and are normally equipped with both manned and unmanned aircraft that could maintain surveillance for a long time even if a faster ship tried to outrun it.

Though certainly not a match for a ship like the Admiral Gorshkov, If an NSC observed a hostile act like a missile launch, it could potentially respond and might be able to inflict some damage. If a DDG were in the same position it might also be overwhelmed by a surprise attack. Having an NSC do the shadowing would allow other assets like the DDGs to remain over the horizon, complicating targeting for the adversary and insuring at least some time to respond if the situation goes hot.

“Houthi Drone Boat Strikes Ship For First Time Since Red Sea Crisis Erupted” –The War Zone

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Chuck Hill

The War Zone reports,

“A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier is taking on water and not under the command of its crew after being hit by a Houthi drone boat…The Liberian bulk carrier Tutor was struck by a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while transiting the Red Sea, the first such successful strike since the Yemen-based rebel group began attacking shipping in the region…”

The Houthi ballistic missiles and Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) have gotten a lot of press, but if you really want to hurt a ship, nothing works as well as placing large amounts of explosive next to the hull at or below the waterline.

Not impossible we will see something like this used in a terrorist attack.

“Coast Guard transfers 109 migrants to Bahamas, repatriates 196 migrants to Haiti” –D7 News Release

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Chuck Hill

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Trump’s crew intercepts a migrant vessel 34 miles north of Île de la Tortue, Haiti, June 6, 2024. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircrew notified Coast Guard District 7 watchstanders who diverted a Coast Guard assets to interdict the migrants for repatriation at a later date. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Briganty)

Below is a District 7 news release. This follows a couple of reports that WMECs that had patrolled the area for almost two months each without picking up any migrants, here and here. The post includes link to documentation of steps being taken to discourage immigrant smuggling.

In the three interdictions, it appears, they were stopped close to their point of origin. I would really like to see some measures of effectiveness for this program, but it seems we are being very successful in detecting and interdicting these dangerous attempts.

The Coast Guard and its Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast federal, state, local, and international partners will continue to patrol by land, air and sea to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully by sea.

The crews of Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans and Cutter Richard Etheridge transferred 109 people to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Sunday, following an interdiction near Anguilla Cay, Bahamas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO) aircrews notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant venture near Anguilla Cay and crews diverted to interdict them.

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Thetis repatriated 196 people to Haiti, Monday, following two migrant voyage interdictions on June 5 and June 6. A CBP-AMO aircrew notified Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders, Wednesday, of a migrant venture north of Cap-Haitien, Haiti. Another CBP-AMO aircrew notified Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders, Thursday, of a migrant venture north of Île de la Tortue, Haiti. Crews diverted to interdict both vessels.

“Irregular maritime migration is unlawful and extremely dangerous. The OVS maritime border security mission is often equal parts law enforcement and humanitarian response, especially as we enter hurricane season and marine weather becomes more severe and unpredictable,” said Lt. Nick Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven enforcement officer. “The Coast Guard urges any potential migrants considering the journey: don’t take to the sea and risk your life just to be sent back. Use the safe, orderly and lawful pathways available like the CHNV process.”

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, migrants are processed to determine their identity and are provided food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention before repatriation to their country of origin or return to the country from which they departed.

For more information about Operation Vigilant Sentry including imagery, visit these links:

On June 5, the Department of Homeland Security announced that U.S. immigration enforcement and asylum procedures across the southern border are more strict. Last Tuesday, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General jointly issued an interim final rule that generally restricts asylum eligibility for those who irregularly enter across the southern border – including the southwest land border and the southern coastal borders. These new measures are designed to increase the processing and consequences for those who cross our borders irregularly or who attempt to present themselves at Ports of Entry without authorization, allowing DHS to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

For more information, follow these links to Department of Homeland Security fact sheets:

For breaking news, follow us on X (formerly Twitter). For Task Force updates, follow @HSTF_Southeast on X. For additional information, find us on Facebook and Instagram.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutters return home after successful Central American deployment” –D11 News Release

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Chuck Hill

USCGC Forrest Rednour (WPC 1129) and Blackfin (WPB 87317) in Costa Rica

Below is a District 11 news release. Did an earlier post on this unusual deployment.

The 800 operational hours claimed for each vessel works out to 33.3 operational days out of 49 deployed, so I presume that means about 16 days in transit, there and back.

The Mexican Navy vessel mentioned, ARM PALENQUE, the third of ten Tenochtitlan-class patrol vessels, looks a lot like a Webber class Fast Response Cutter. It is also a Damen design, but a bit smaller (a Stan Patrol 4207 vs 4708 for the FRC). Damen has been very successful with this design. More than 50 have been built for more than a dozen agencies. (USCGC Blackfin and the other Marine Protector class patrol boats are also based on a Damen design.)

Mexican Navy ARM Palenque (PC-333) at launching March 2014. Credit Secrtaria de Marina.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard cutters Forrest Rednour and Blackfin have returned to their homeports after a 49-day deployment in Central America, where they played a crucial role in multiple operations.

During this period, both cutters demonstrated outstanding readiness and operational capability, significantly contributing to international cooperation, search and rescue missions, and efforts to combat criminal activities. This deployment was part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security and strengthen partnerships. Throughout the mission, Forrest Rednour covered over 8,200 miles and logged 800 operational hours, while Blackfin covered over 8,300 miles and also logged 800 operational hours.

“The amount of effort and commitment from both crews during this 49-day deployment was remarkable,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard District 11. “Their readiness and professional exchanges provided an invaluable experience to our partner nations and crews. The enthusiasm to lead multiple engagements with several international maritime organizations helped strengthen ties and fortify continued collaboration between all.”

Key Achievements:

Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX):

Manzanillo, Mexico: Blackfin led a successful SAR operation, including helicopter rescue exercises with the Mexican Navy.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala: Hosted tours and conducted SAR exercises with the Guatemalan Navy, building stronger maritime partnerships.
La Union, El Salvador: Rednour led a SAR exercise and joint operations with the Salvadoran Navy, marking the first U.S. vessel visit to this port in two years.

Partnership and Training:

Amapala, Honduras: Engaged in discussions and training on maritime law enforcement and security with the Honduran Navy and Merchant Marine.
Golfito, Costa Rica: Shared knowledge on maritime governance with the Costa Rican Coast Guard, enhancing mutual understanding.
Rodman, Panama: Provided damage control and medical evacuation training to Panamanian forces, marking the first U.S.-Panama Coast Guard engagement in over two years.
PASSEX with ARM PALENQUE: Forrest Rednour and Blackfin conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Mexican Navy’s ARM PALENQUE. This included formation steaming, code exercises, and a crew exchange to enhance mutual operational understanding and cooperation.

“This patrol was truly an amazing experience and a testament to the incredible devotion to duty that the crews of the Forrest Rednour and Blackfin have,” said Lt. Kevin Ng, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour. “Both crews adapted and overcame several challenges leading up to and during the patrol, but never took their eyes off the main objective. As a result, the Coast Guard was able to strengthen the valuable relationships that the United States has with our international partners throughout Central America and unify our efforts to address critical maritime security initiatives in the Eastern Pacific. Thank you to crews on a job well done, District 11 and Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach for the coordination, and the families and friends of the crew for all of the support; the success of this historic patrol could not have been accomplished without them all.”

“I could not be prouder of both crews for the incredible amount of hard work they have dedicated to making this historic patrol possible. The success of this Surface Action Group is a testament to the Coast Guard’s ability to overcome dynamic challenges in the completion of unprecedented mission sets. It also signifies the Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to advancing our vital maritime partnerships in the Eastern Pacific. The international relationships formed and strengthened during this deployment have set the groundwork for future engagements which I look forward to watching,” said Lt. j.g. James Morrison, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin.

Commissioned in 2018, the Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour is one of the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class fast response cutters homeported in San Pedro, California. Sentinel-class cutters are 154 feet long and 25 feet wide and have a 353 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 24. The namesake of the Forrest Rednour is Petty Officer 2nd Class Forrest O. Rednour, who heroically rescued survivors from the torpedoed USAT (US Army Transport–Chuck) Dorchester during World War II and was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Commissioned in 2000, the USCGC Blackfin is one of the Coast Guard’s Marine Protector-class patrol boats homeported in Santa Barbara, California. Marine Protector-class patrol boats are 87 feet long and 19.5 feet wide and have a 100 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 900 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 10. The Blackfin is equipped with advanced electronics and navigation systems for multi-mission operations, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security. The Blackfin shares the name of the USS Blackfin (SS-322), a submarine that participated in World War II and the Korean War.

“Coast Guard Academy official resigns, says she was directed to lie to Congress as part of ‘cruel’ sexual assault coverup” –CNN

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Chuck Hill

CNN has a troubling report here.

This is not just an Academy problem. Normally I would not comment on personnel issues. I have been out of the service for too long to know what is going on, but I am going to make an exception.

If the actions in question happen in the US and if they may constitute a crime under the laws of a local jurisdiction, it would be best to immediately turn the case over to the local authorities. It is the only way to truly insulate the service from charges of a coverup or favoritism, from either the victim or the alleged perpetrator. Not only does it protect the service, but it also means that the staff will not be unnecessarily distracted, performing an investigation they are really ill prepared for.

Sexual harassment may not be a crime, but any of the following probably are: assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking, illegal recording or photography. That is not necessarily an exhaustive list. Laws are expanding to include exploitation of social media and deep fake technology.

There will still be plenty of opportunities for the command to take action against forms of harassment that do not violate local laws, but that hurt morale and disrupt good order and discipline.

Thanks to Mike for bringing this to my attention.