USCG Atlantic Area’s reliance on creaking cutters shows scale of recapitalisation
With nearly a third of the USCG’s Atlantic Area cutter force having been in service for more than 50 years, senior officials have repeatedly called for recapitalisation efforts to modernise a fleet creaking at the seams.
The USCG splits its fleet into two main forces, the Atlantic Area and Pacific Area, with the former the larger of the two and is heavily dependent on older vessels. Of the 26 Medium Endurance Cutter hulls in Atlantic Area service, 11 are of the older Reliance class and commissioned between 1964-1969, while 13 belong to the Famous class, commissioned between 1982-1991.
Of the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power]()
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”]()
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
