USCG chief calls for billion-dollar ‘booster shot’
Despite ongoing efforts to renew its fleet, the USCG finds itself short of funds amid calls for an increase in spending.
The head of the USCG has called for a $1 billion ‘booster shot’ to its budget to address ‘pressing needs’, amid pressures on an ageing fleet and a growing risk of capability gaps.
It was reported last year that nearly one third of the USCG Atlantic Area cutter force had been in service for more than 50 years. Of the 26 Medium Endurance Cutter hulls in Atlantic Area service, 11 are of the older Reliance class, commissioned between 1964-1969, while 13 belong to the Famous class, commissioned between 1982-1991.
Three main procurement efforts are currently being followed in order
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