U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL-755) crew members inspect a self-propelled semi-submersible on June 19, 2019, in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. US Coast Guard Photo
This post is part of a series of review stories looking back at the top naval news from 2019.
For the U.S. Coast Guard, 2019 was marked by big moves in the service’s two most significant programs – the start of the Polar Security Cutter and a delay of the Offshore Patrol Cutter program.
Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) boarding teams interdict a low-profile go-fast vessel while patrolling international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, seizing more than 3,100 pounds of suspected cocaine, Nov. 4, 2019. Purpose-built vessels like this are designed to smuggle large amounts of contraband while evading detection by law enforcement personnel due to their camouflaged appearance and low profile. U.S. Coast Guard photo
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL-750) finished 2019 by offloading in San Diego more than 18,000 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $312 million. Read More
The following is the Dec. 20, 2019 Congressional Research Service report, Changes in the Arctic Read More
Just before leaving for a winter break, Congress approved the Fiscal Year 2020 agreements for funding and authorizing military operations while giving the Navy a mixed-message on how to build a planned new class of frigates.
The Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal berthed before its commissioning ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, July 25, 2018. The Bruckenthal was the 28th Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter to be commissioned. Coast Guard photo
The House approved a $12 billion Fiscal Year 2020 funding deal that puts limitations on the Offshore Patrol Cutter program while moving ahead with funding for polar icebreakers, Fast Response Cutters and long-range surveillance aircraft. Read More
A pair of Navy and Coast Guard patrol boats collided in Women’s Bay, Kodiak, Alaska. Pictured above is a 2018 Coast Gaurd water survival training exercise in Women’s Bay. Coast Guard photo.
This post was updated with additional information from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Navy and U.S. Coast Guard officials are investigating the cause of a collision between a pair of similarly sized patrol boats from each service off Kodiak Island, Alaska on Wednesday.
An artist’s conception of Eastern Shipbuilding’s Offshore Patrol Cutter design.
This post was updated to accurately reflect the size of the Offshore Patrol Cutter contract the Coast Guard is re-competing. An earlier version of this post included an incorrect number of hulls included in the re-compete.
The Coast Guard is recompeting its potentially $10.5 billion Offshore Patrol Cutter contract because the program risks falling fatally behind schedule due to hurricane damage to the shipyard initially awarded the contract. Read More
The following is the Nov. 27, 2019, Congressional Research Service report, Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress. Read More
Undated photo of USS High Point (PCH-1). Naval History and Heritage Command photo.
For the low-low price of a loaded Chevy Tahoe Premier, you could be the proud owner of the Navy’s first operational hydrofoil — the former USS High Point (PCH-1).
Families of crewmembers aboard USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) watch as the vessel transits Elliott Bay en route to Antarctica, Nov. 26, 2019. The Polar Star, homported in Seattle, Washington, is the United States’ only heavy icebreaker. Coast Guard photo
As USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10), the nation’s only heavy ice breaker departed Tuesday on its annual months-long mission to lead a supply convoy to the U.S. logistics hub in Antarctica, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) renewed the effort to ensure members of the Coast Guard are paid during government shutdowns.
