US Coast Guard faces the “greatest readiness challenge since World War II”, says Homeland Security Secretary
The USCG Polar Star cutter. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
The service currently has diverse problems in its procurement programmes and capability gaps in its inventory, writes Shephard’s North America editor Flavia Camargos Pereira.
Delays and over costs in multiple US Coast Guard (USCG) acquisition and development programmes, alongside a growing demand for the branch’s support in law enforcement and board control missions, have caused concern for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
During a hearing at the Senate Committee on Appropriations last week, Kristi Noem, Secretary of the US DHS, stated the branch was “a central pillar of American national security and power projection” and confronts “the greatest readiness crisis since World War II”.
“As a military service and law enforcement organisation, the Coast Guard faces a unique set of operational challenges and opportunities,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
