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NSC-class Cutter Concept
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DID recently covered a lengthy GAO Report on the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program, which aims to invest $20-25 billion over the next two decades in order to renew the Coast guard’s aging ships, helicopters, and other equipment. While GAO report #05-757 focused on project management concerns and offered recommendations, the Aug/05 issue of Seapower magazine offers a special focus on the Deepwater program, and highlights some of the U.S. Coast Guard’s under-appreciated assets. Articles include:

• Repair Costs Eat Away Funds Dedicated to New Deepwater Assets. This was a point made by the GAO – it is driven home very clearly in this article. As U.S. military assets (especially aircraft) also begin to face aging issues, services like the USAF can expect to face similar dilemmas.

• New Requirements Alter Coast Guard Aviation Plan. Post-9/11 homeland security requirements have forced changes. The article discusses why in some cases, the Coast Guard wants to grow its force but not necessarily to modernize.

• Coast Guard Intelligence Fills Unique, Growing Niche. It’s a niche that no other intelligence agency really handles.

• International Affairs Team is ‘Hidden Jewel.’ You might be surprised by how much work the U.S. Coast Guard does abroad.