As the US Coast Guard (USCG) continues to acquire new cutters all is not plain sailing, with a new report revealing engine issues are hampering some operations.
The service's Fast Response Cutters (FRC) and National Security Cutters (NSC) are frequently being removed from operational service to deal with issues with their diesel engines, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The issue of operational availability is laid bare in the title of the GAO report: 'Depot Maintenance Is Affecting Operational Availability and Cost Estimates Should Reflect Actual Expenditures'.
Maintenance work of both the vessels has resulted in lower operational