Twelve for Twelve: Congress Needs to Fund Another National Security Cutter (From RealClearDefense)

The U.S. Coast Guard is in the midst of an unprecedented modernization effort. It is completely replacing its existing ships, acquiring new heavy polar icebreakers, expanding procurement of the Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC), beginning production of the Offshore Patrol Cutter and starting to build the first of nearly 60 Fast Response Cutters. The Coast Guard is also acquiring new aircraft and, for the first time, planning to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles aboard its ships. A significant element of the Coast Guard’s modernization effort is the new Legend-class NSC. The NSC is a major leap forward in almost all respects in comparison to the ships it is replacing. It is vital that Congress fully supports this effort, including by providing funding for a twelfth NSC. I have written more on the NSC and funding for a twelfth ship here.