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US Capital West Side, by Martin Falbisoner
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has again updated their “Report to Congress on Coast Guard Cutter Procurement”. (This link will always take you to the most recent edition of the report.) My last post on this evolving document was in reference to the March 25, 2024 update. The report includes a nice one page summary if you are new to our current shipbuilding activities but the news is on pages 27 and 28, the last two pages of the report excluding the Appendixes, which I have reproduced below,
The Administration asked for two FRCs and the House Appropriations Committee has recommended four. This, in addition to the 67 currently funded, would bring the total number of FRC funded to 71 which is the requirement in the current program of record, 58 for domestic use, one lost to a fire in dry dock, six for PATFORSWA, and six for the Indo-Pacific.
It’s not clear to me if the six for the Indo-Pacific is just the six currently planned for Guam or does this refer to six in addition to the three originally planned for Guam that replaced two WPB110s? It has appeared the Coast Guard might also base FRCs in American Samoa. Looking at the numbers that appears to be the case.
It also appears another WMEC 270 that has gone through Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) will be headed for the Pacific.
Image may be NSFW.
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FY2025 DHS Appropriations Act (H.R. 8752)
House
The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 118-553 of June 14, 2024 on H.R. 8752, recommended the funding levels shown in the HAC column of Table 1. H.Rept. 118-553 states.
Fast Response Cutter (FRC).—The recommendation provides $335,000,000 to purchase four additional FRCs, economic price adjustments related to the rise in material and labor costs, and post-delivery missionization costs.
Offshore Patrol Cutter.—The recommendation provides the requested $530,000,000 to continue the program of record for these critical assets. The Committee directs the Coast Guard to continue to provide additional program and schedule details, as described in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117–103, as part of the required quarterly major acquisition briefings. (Pages 53-54)
H.Rept. 118-553 also states
Engagement in the Indo-Pacific.—The Committee supports the Coast Guard’s efforts to help develop the maritime capabilities of partners and allies in Southeast Asia. To better assess these efforts, the Committee directs the Coast Guard to provide a briefing within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act on its work in the Indo-Pacific, including current efforts, opportunities for expansion, and options for improving coordination with and leveraging capabilities with the DOD, especially U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM)….
Oceania Operations.—The Committee recognizes the importance of the Coast Guard in maintaining the U.S.’s posture in the Indo-Pacific. The Committee supports the Coast Guard’s efforts to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific, especially through the ship rider program, and encourages the Coast Guard to continue its coordination with USINDOPACOM and partner and allied nations. To better evaluate these efforts, the Committee directs the Coast Guard to report to the Committee not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act assessing the Coast Guard’s capabilities and operations in the Indo-Pacific. This report should include a list of current assets in the region, any assets and capabilities needed to address unfulfilled requirements, any areas where logistical support is needed, and any changes that must be taken to effectively implement the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. To support the Coast Guard’s Indo-Pacific operations, the recommendation provides $3,000,000 for increased presence of regional Coast Guard Maritime Advisors, Liaison Officers, Attaches, and other foreign engagement positions throughout the Indo-Pacific, and $1,200,000 for Indo-Pacific workforce support including for housing, medical, and childcare access for Coast Guard personnel.
270′ WMEC Service Life Extension Program.—The Committee supports the Coast Guard’s efforts to counter aggression by the PRC in the Indo-Pacific. The recommendation includes $60,000,000 for a service life extension program for one Medium Endurance Cutter, enabling the Coast Guard to deploy an additional support cutter to the Indo-Pacific. The Coast Guard plays a vital role in the Indo-Pacific, but the vast distances in the region and limited resources hamper the Coast Guard’s ability to expand its presence. This Indo-Pacific support cutter will help the Coast Guard increase its activities and better support the U.S. mission in the Indo-Pacific. (Pages 50, 51, and 53)