Kathrine Frich
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced partial cancellation of a “wasteful shipbuilding contract”.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced partial cancellation of a “wasteful shipbuilding contract”.
US Coast Guard Facing a Critical Breakdown
The US Coast Guard is warning that without new patrol cutters, “fulfilling statutory duties on these aging vessels will soon become impossible.”
The service is struggling to protect US waters, conduct rescues, and respond to disasters while dealing with mounting operational and funding issues.
Experts say the crisis has been building for years.
Rising Maintenance Costs and Funding Gaps
USCG leaders admit limited funding is hampering fleet maintenance and repairs.
They currently have $13 billion a year, but officials estimate the budget must reach $20 billion by 2033 to meet needs.
An extra $3 billion is needed immediately to keep ships and helicopters running.
Declining Vessel Reliability
The GAO reports a steep drop in vessel availability across the fleet.
Serious malfunctions on cutters over 20 meters rose from 3,134 in 2018 to 3,782 in 2023, a 21% jump.
These ships, numbering around 240, perform the Coast Guard’s core missions.
Staffing Shortages Undermine Missions
Chronic personnel gaps mean many ships sail with fewer crew than designed.
This forces the Coast Guard to “cannibalize” parts, removing critical components from idle vessels to keep others at sea.
The GAO warns such practices increase wear and risk across the fleet.
Delays in New Patrol Vessels
While Legend- and Sentinel-class ships are entering service steadily, the Heritage-class program has stalled.
Heritage cutters are meant to replace the 1960s Reliance and 1980s Famous classes.
But delays and COVID-19 setbacks pushed the first vessel’s launch to late 2023.
Contract Cuts Over Delays
Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced partial cancellation of a “wasteful shipbuilding contract” with Eastern Shipbuilding Group.
Only the first two Heritage cutters will be built there, and the prototype USCGC Argus won’t enter service until the end of 2026.
The decision came after repeated missed delivery deadlines.
Austal Steps In With New Builds
On August 6, Austal USA received a $273 million contract option to build a second Heritage-class cutter in Phase 2.
The first in the new series, USCGC Pickering, began construction last summer.
Work on the second cutter starts this week, with materials purchased for a third.
What the Heritage Class Brings
These 110-meter, 3,700-ton vessels feature two 9,760-hp diesel engines, a 22.5-knot top speed, and 60-day endurance.
They carry a 57mm Mk 110 gun, two 25mm mounts, heavy machine guns, and advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.
Each has space for a helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle, greatly boosting patrol range.
