From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Jan. 15, 2026 

WASHINGTON – The United States Coast Guard held a formal swearing-in and assumption of command ceremony Jan. 15 for Adm. Kevin Lunday as the 28^th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard during an event at Coast Guard Headquarters. 

Secretary Kristi Noem joined senior Coast Guard leadership, members of the Joint Force and distinguished guests in recognizing the transition of command and Adm. Lunday’s commitment to leading the Service. 

“President Trump’s plan was simple when he became President of the United States. He wanted to revitalize the Coast Guard, equip it with the best technology, ships, and aircraft available, and then recruit the men and women that were necessary to run it all. It’s a tall order, and it takes a special kind of leader to lead this team and make that a reality,” said Secretary Noem. ”With almost 40 years in the Coast Guard, and with command experience that has ranged from the Indo-Pacific to the Persian Gulf to cyberspace, Kevin Lunday was the man for the job. Congratulations, Admiral Lunday!”  

Upon taking the oath of office, Adm. Lunday formally assumed the responsibilities of Commandant and reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s enduring role as a vital instrument of national power responsible for controlling, securing, and defending the U.S. border and maritime approaches; facilitating the safe and secure flow of commerce that is vital to economic prosperity, strategic mobility, and America’s maritime dominance; and responding to crises and contingencies that may come without warning. 

“I am honored to assume command of the United States Coast Guard,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday. “Every day, Coast Guard men and women carry out missions that protect our homeland, secure our maritime borders, save lives and protect national security. I am humbled to serve alongside them while ensuring they have what they need to succeed – today and in the future.” 

As Commandant, Adm. Lunday will lead the Service’s continued transformation through Force Design 2028, while strengthening operational readiness and supporting the Coast Guard workforce and their families. 

The Coast Guard remains Always Ready, delivering mission excellence across the maritime domain in service to the American people. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Heartland District, Jan. 14, 2026 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $200 million design-build contract to The Haskell Company for the comprehensive recapitalization and expansion of Coast Guard Station South Padre Island in South Padre Island, Texas. This award marks the largest single task order in the history of the Coast Guard’s military construction program. 

The contract, funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will deliver the design and construction of more than 120,000 square feet of essential facilities and supporting infrastructure, directly enhancing mission readiness and execution for Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection personnel on the southwest U.S. border in Texas. Preliminary design and environmental work will begin immediately, with project completion anticipated in summer 2028. 

Located six miles north of the United States-Mexico border, Station South Padre Island is at the forefront of securing the U.S. southern border. The recapitalization project will support the Coast Guard’s operations to secure the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility, and respond to contingencies along the Gulf Coast and surrounding waterways. 

The scope of work includes: 

• Environmental assessment, site survey investigations, and design services for various facilities 

• Construction of new station facilities 

• Construction of Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH), additional berthing, and mission support facilities 

• Rebuilding of waterfront infrastructure 

• Construction of a Joint Operations Center and Customs and Border Protection support space 

• Forward operations space for Deployable Specialized Forces 

• Delivery of a new harbor operations center and other mission support facilities 

• Comprehensive site development, utilities, and outfitting 

The project represents the largest award value for a shore infrastructure construction project in Coast Guard history and will be delivered on the shortest timeline to date. The planning phase was compressed from the standard 18 months to 45 days, while the contracting process was reduced from 15 months to four months. 

On April 20, 2025, a fire severely damaged the boat house at Station South Padre Island, forcing crews to relocate operations. The next day, station personnel responded to reports of illegal fishing and interdicted a vessel in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, where they discovered 130 pounds of red snapper and 75 pounds of shark on board. 

“The courageous team of Station South Padre Island showed resilience and determination,” said Admiral Kevin Lunday, acting Commandant of the Coast Guard. “The day after fire severely damaged facilities at Station South Padre Island, this crew was back on patrol, successfully interdicting illicit activity in one of our most complex operating environments. This project will provide Station South Padre Island with modern facilities and empower them to continue operations to control, secure, and defend our southern border.” 

Coast Guard Cutter Alert returns home after interdicting more than $18.4M in narcotics during 45-day patrol 

From U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District

Cape Canaveral, Fla. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) returned to their home port in Cape Canaveral, Thursday, following a 45-day counter-drug patrol in the Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean.    

While underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility, Alert’s crew interdicted a go-fast style vessel trafficking illegal narcotics in the Windward Passage. The crew seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.4 million, seven pounds of marijuana valued at $7,000 and an illegal firearm. The four suspected smugglers on board, narcotics and firearm were transferred to the Bahamas government for prosecution.  

“I am immensely proud of my crew’s unwavering dedication,” said Cmdr. Mario Gil, commanding officer of Alert. “Time spent away from family and missed holidays represents a significant sacrifice, which makes their commitment to combating narco-terrorism and protecting our nation’s borders from illicit drugs all the more commendable, as demonstrated by the extraordinary success of this patrol.”  

In the region, Alert’s crew also patrolled in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry while underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility. Crew member presence in the vicinity of Haiti served to deter unsafe and illegal migration. 

While transiting the Panama Canal, the crew had the distinct honor of hosting Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador to Panama, aboard the cutter for a tour of the ship, discussions about current operations and a Miami-inspired lunch prepared by Alert’s culinary specialists.  
  
The crew also supported U.S. – Panama relations by hosting eight members from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and Joint Maritime Force – Panama for joint training and a professional exchange of counter-narcotics best practices. Crew members conducted multiple joint pursuit-style, simulated interdictions with vessels and forces from SENAN. This training provided continued support of the Salas-Becker Complementary Agreement of 2002, which created a framework for U.S.–Panama bilateral cooperation to counter illicit drug trafficking by sea and air.  

During a port-of-call visit to Golfito, Costa Rica, Alert’s crew welcomed representatives from the Costa Rican Coast Guard aboard for a tour of the ship and an embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, based in Jacksonville. The visit fostered joint nation inoperability and strengthened international counter-drug efforts in the region.  

While at sea in the Coast Guard Southwest District area of responsibility, the crew conducted boardings to verify and enforce international law at sea in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.   
  
In addition, Alert crew members earned the title of shellback after crossing the equator, a title few sailors earn during a career.   

Release From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

WASHINGTON — The United States Coast Guard today released the Force Design 2028 Initial Update, detailing the reforms implemented since January 2025 and the significant, measurable impacts these changes have delivered for the American people. The update underscores how Force Design 2028 has strengthened the Service’s operational effectiveness, improved workforce readiness, accelerated capability delivery, and generated unprecedented value for the Nation. 

As a result of these reforms, the Coast Guard is better positioned today than at any point earlier this year to control, secure, and defend the U.S. southern border and maritime approaches; facilitate the uninterrupted flow of commerce; and rapidly respond to national and global contingencies. 

“The United States Coast Guard serves as a vital instrument of national power, advancing security both at home and abroad, safeguarding the American economy, and providing rapid response to emergent contingencies. When I became the Secretary of Homeland Security, we took steps to change the Coast Guard in support of President Trump’s America First Agenda,” said Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security. “Through the implementation of Force Design 2028, the extraordinary return on investment—the value the Coast Guard provides to our Nation—is poised to grow even further. The men and women of the Coast Guard exemplify the very best of our Nation. We are immensely proud of their achievements through Force Design 2028. Together we will continue to put America First.” 

“As we deliver the first update on Force Design 2028, the Coast Guard is already a stronger, more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. “The Service is better positioned than it was in January 2025 to effectively control, secure, and defend the U.S. borders and maritime approaches, facilitate the uninterrupted flow of commerce, and rapidly respond to contingencies. Force Design 2028 is already improving operational outcomes while establishing the foundation for even greater achievements in the future.” 

Unmatched Return on America’s Investment 
Through disciplined and aggressive stewardship of its $12.1 billion annual budget, the Coast Guard delivers an unmatched return on investment for the Nation. Conservative analysis shows the Service generates more than $74 billion in social and economic value through cost avoidance—representing a 6-to-1 return on taxpayer investment. 

Historic Counter-Drug and Law Enforcement Results 
Since January 2025, the Coast Guard has seized more than 466,000 pounds of cocaine—equivalent to over 176 million lethal doses, enough to kill more than 52 percent of the U.S. population. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the Service interdicted more than 510,000 pounds of cocaine, the highest total in Coast Guard history and an increase of more than 200 percent over FY24. 

Beyond interdictions, Coast Guard counter-drug and law enforcement missions generate substantial social value. Conservative estimates indicate these operations saved the Nation over $10 billion in avoided costs, including more than $2.27 billion in healthcare costs associated with cocaine interdiction alone. 

Facilitating Commerce and Responding to Contingencies 
The Coast Guard’s continued governance and protection of the Marine Transportation System enabled the safe movement of 1.8 billion tons of cargo in FY25—an increase of more than 13 percent from FY24—returning more than $28 billion in value to the American people. 

The Service also reaffirmed its enduring commitment to saving lives at sea. In FY25, Coast Guard crews saved nearly 5,000 lives and preserved/assisted more than $974 million in property while responding to mariners in distress across the Nation’s waterways. 

Building a Larger, Healthier, and More Ready Workforce 
Force Design 2028 continues to advance efforts to build a healthier, more resilient, and mission-ready workforce, including progress toward expanding the force by 15,000 military members to meet evolving operational demands and support new assets. 

In FY25, the Coast Guard exceeded 110 percent of its active-duty enlisted recruiting goal, enlisting more than 5,200 members—the highest total since 1991. The Service also achieved 104 percent of its Reserve Enlisted recruiting goal and 100 percent of its active-duty Officer mission. 

Enhanced Agility in Response to National Priorities 
Increased agility resulting from Force Design 2028 initiatives enabled the Coast Guard to rapidly address emerging threats and national priorities: 

• Operation Border Trident, launched in March 2025, targeted transnational terrorist and criminal organizations and illegal alien activity in the California Coastal Region, increasing interdictions by 44 percent compared to FY24. 

• Operation River Wall, initiated in October 2025, secured approximately 260 miles of the Rio Grande River, resulting in the interdiction of 47 illegal aliens and the deterrence of 237 more. 

• Operation Pacific Viper, launched in August 2025, doubled the Coast Guard’s most capable assets in the Eastern Pacific. In just over four months, crews seized more than 170,000 pounds of illegal narcotics—averaging approximately 1,600 pounds of cocaine interdicted per day. 

Structural Reform and Rapid Capability Delivery 
These outcomes were made possible by sweeping reforms enacted under Force Design 2028. The Coast Guard established new leadership roles—including Chief of Staff, Deputy Commandant for Systems, Deputy Commandant for Personnel, and Program Executive Offices—while eliminating 14 Admiral positions (32 percent) to streamline decision-making and maximize efficiency. 

The Service also created the Rapid Response Prototype Team (RAPTOR) to deliver technology solutions at speed. RAPTOR transitioned a capability from concept to operational use in just three weeks, supporting Operation Border Trident with a contractor-owned, contractor-operated long-range unmanned aerial system employing artificial intelligence. 

Additionally, the Coast Guard empowered commanders by revising administrative policies related to non-judicial punishment and delegating surface and airborne use-of-force authorities, increasing operational effectiveness at the tactical level. 

Accelerated Investment and the Road Ahead 
Capability delivery is being further accelerated through Force Design 2028 and resources provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3). More than $3 billion in OB3 funds have already been obligated, with 75 percent of total funding expected to be obligated by the end of FY26. In the coming months, the Coast Guard will implement major structural changes and investments, including: 

• Establishing a Deployable Specialized Forces Command to enhance integration with the Department of War and optimize force employment. 
  Expanding training capacity to support a growing force of more than 15,000 additional military members. 

• Enhancing Maritime Domain Dominance through Coastal Sentinel, improving sensor integration and operational responsiveness. 
  Rapidly identifying, testing, and acquiring commercially available boats, cutters, and aircraft to empower Coast Guard personnel across all mission areas. 

• Executing a comprehensive Force Posture and Operational Concepts Campaign to transform how the Service organizes, trains, equips, and employs forces—streamlining strategic decision-making, decentralizing execution, and leveraging next-generation technologies to ensure enduring U.S. maritime dominance. 

The Force Design 2028 Initial Update affirms the Coast Guard’s commitment to reform, readiness, and results—delivering security, prosperity, and unmatched value for the American people today and into the future. 

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, Jan. 14, 2026 

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Hickory (WLB 212), a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, arrived at its new homeport in Guam on Wednesday, following a more than 13,000-mile transit over 71 days from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore through the Panama Canal. 

After an extended Major Maintenance Availability at the Yard, part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment Program that modernizes the entire Juniper-class fleet with hull repairs, system upgrades, and replacement of obsolete equipment, the Hickory is now fully revitalized. 

These enhancements ensure the cutter’s reliability for its full 30-year service life, boosting operational efficiency and mission readiness. The Hickory’s arrival marks a key milestone for the U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District, restoring the full complement of three seagoing buoy tenders dedicated to the vast Pacific region. Homeported in Guam, the Hickory specializes in maintaining aids to navigation, critical for safe passage through strategic sea lanes that support military forward posture and vital commercial shipping. 

The cutter’s area of responsibility encompasses 143 ATON, of which 90 are federally maintained. Reliable ATON is essential for marking navigational hazards and preventing maritime accidents that could disrupt maritime traffic, endanger vessels, or cause economic impacts in this geopolitically significant theater. En route to homeport, Hickory visited Majuro from Jan. 7 to 8 to conduct joint reconnaissance of existing port buoys with the Marshall Islands Ports Authority. The assessment supported future maintenance and upgrade planning aimed at improving maritime safety, port access, and resilience. 

During Hickory’s absence, U.S. Coast Guard personnel maintained operations through resourceful measures, including deploying jump teams. In the fall of 2023, cutter personnel, having safely delivered Hickory’s predecessor, USCGC Sequoia, to the Yards, conducted a full assessment of the local ATON constellation and made repairs through a combination of dive teams and shoreside support to all the aids affected by the Category 5 Typhoon Mawar, which made landfall in May. 

The sister ship USCGC Juniper came out in November 2023 to work on aids. More recently, in October 2025, a jump team from the Aids to Navigation Team Honolulu rapidly repaired seven critical aids across Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian, demonstrating exceptional ingenuity amid operational challenges as the cutter crew worked to bring the ship back to Guam. 

With Hickory’s specialized crane and capabilities, the cutter is poised to address up to seven outstanding federal aids in the Guam and Saipan areas, including several buoys, dayboards, and ranges, further enhancing maritime safety. 

As a multi-mission platform, the Hickory crew will also support search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and homeland security operations across Oceania’s expansive waters. 

“This crew has shown remarkable resilience through extended separations and demanding preparations. We are excited to reunite with our families in Guam and eager to get underway on ATON missions that keep these vital sea lanes safe. As a multi-mission cutter, Hickory stands ready to support the full spectrum of Coast Guard operations in this critical region,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Lash, commanding officer of Hickory. 

Hickory was previously known as “The Kenai Keeper” and “Bull of the North” while in Alaska. Its current moniker is “Bull of the Pacific.” The USCGC Juniper (WLB 201) and USCGC Hollyhock (WLB 214), both homeported in Honolulu, round out the roster of seagoing buoy tenders in the Oceania District. 

The U.S. Coast Guard operates 16 Juniper-class 225-foot seagoing buoy tenders (WLB 201–216), commissioned between 1996 and 2004. These multi-mission cutters feature a length of 225 feet, a beam of 46 feet, twin diesel propulsion for a 6,000 nautical-mile range at 12 knots, and a crew of approximately 48. As of 2025, all 16 have completed or are undergoing their Midlife Maintenance Availability program to extend their service life and enhance operational reliability. 

Release From the Department of Homeland Security

The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is developing a new contactless vessel stopping technology for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to bolster interdiction efforts along our maritime borders. 

S&T, USCG, and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) have been conducting proof-of-concept demonstrations of a new Contactless Vessel Stopping Capability (CVSC) prototype. The CVSC uses high energy microwaves to temporarily stop the motor inside of small watercraft, like jet skis. The most recent demonstration, held in December, showed how effective it can be and how much progress has been made. 

This effort began when USCG approached S&T seeking a technology that would allow them to safely and consistently stop small non-compliant vessels. The solution S&T is developing with NAWCWD utilizes highly energized radio frequency pulses to overwhelm the electronic circuits within the targeted vessel, causing the engine to shut down and bring the jet ski to a stop. NAWCWD was selected to build the prototype because they have specialized expertise with high-powered microwave technologies that have demonstrated disruption, degradation, and denial effects on electronic target types, including outboard vessels and combustion engines. 

“We’re looking forward to improving upon the progress we’ve made and accelerating future developments to give USCG a solution to their small vessel gap as fast as possible,” said S&T Maritime and Immigration Security Solutions Program Manager Anthony Caracciolo. 

One potential use case for CVSC technology would be assisting USCG with intercepting a jet ski suspected of traveling from Mexico and trying to come ashore in San Diego. Currently, USCG uses a much larger, 33-foot boat to chase it down. Jet skis are small, fast, and very maneuverable, and there are not many options when it comes to stopping that kind of vessel. CVSC is akin to law enforcement deploying a spike strip on a road to stop a non-compliant vehicle. Once a watercraft is stopped, USCG can determine whether the vessel is involved in something nefarious, like moving drugs, or human trafficking. 

Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake is known for its military research and development facilities and provided an excellent venue to test and evaluate CVSC. The small, teardrop-shaped pond that was used for the test is called PMT, dating back to its previous history as the Pacific Missile Test Center, which merged with NAWS many years ago. 

The multi-agency team poses at the CVSC test site. Photo credit: NAWC Visual Communication Branch. 

To demonstrate the prototype’s capabilities, a jet ski is tethered in place in the PMT. The engine is started, and a test rig consisting of a server attached to a cone-shaped antenna is powered up and aimed at the idling jet ski. At the first demonstration, held last September, the engine was shut down using the CVSC multiple times, restarted, and shut down again, showing that there was no permanent damage to the craft. 

“There are microwave transmitters that can stop a large vessel,” Caracciolo said, “with engines mounted on the back.”  The microwave transmitter can be placed on the front of the pursuing boat for a direct line-of-sight engagement. “But jet skis are different. The small engine is inside of the craft, and the operator is blocking it with their body. CVSC is designed to be effective in those challenging conditions.” 

A follow up demonstration was then conducted in December. During the September demo it took some time for the motor in the targeted jet ski to stop.  During the December demo, the jet ski was shut down almost instantaneously.  The improved response was due to correcting a fault in the transmission cable connecting the pulse generator to the antenna and slightly increasing the pulse repetition rate. 

S&T will take the information gathered from this test and apply it to the next prototype, which will refine the power levels, ranges and safety parameters. Follow-on demonstrations are scheduled for early next year. 

Until spike strips are invented for the high seas, S&T will be there to develop the next best thing. 

For more information about CVSC, listen to Anthony Caracciolo’s episode of S&T’s Technologically Speaking podcast, Good Chance You’re Going to Save Lives. 

Release From U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District

HONOLULU — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) returned to Honolulu, Jan. 1, after a 120-day, 16,500-nautical-mile deployment to the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska reinforcing maritime safety, security, and national sovereignty in the region. 

As the Arctic region continues to become more accessible and consequential, the demand for U.S. Coast Guard statutory mission services, leadership, and presence continues to grow. Kimball’s crew exemplified these efforts. 

Throughout the deployment, Kimball’s crew conducted law enforcement operations, provided critical emergency response, and participated in joint exercises with the Department of War, showcasing the versatility and capability of the national security cutter platform. 

Kimball’s law enforcement teams conducted 13 inspections of fishing vessels and conducted joint boardings with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement. Three citations were issued for violations that included two cases of illegally retained catches. 

The crew also conducted extensive training with MH-60 helicopters from Air Station Kodiak to enhance proficiency between cutters and air crews. In addition, Kimball tested the new Vertical Takeoff and Landing Battery (V-BAT) unmanned aerial system while patrolling the Bering Sea, conducting several operations to evaluate and enhance the cutter’s surveillance capabilities. 

Following the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, Kimball’s crew provided critical support to the area by positioning as a ready fueling platform for responding air assets. The crew also served as the on-scene coordinator and rendered assistance to a disabled and adrift bulk carrier that lost propulsion near a heavily trafficked pass through the Aleutian Islands. 

Kimball participated in two joint operations with United States Alaskan Command under Operation TUNDRA MERLIN. These activities involved Kimball and multiple U.S. Air Force aircraft in simulated joint maritime strikes, providing valuable insight into the national security cutter’s capabilities and demonstrates integration of Department of Homeland Security and Department of War assets in support of homeland defense. 

“I am immensely proud of this crew for standing the watch over one of the harshest maritime operational areas in the world,” said Capt. Craig Allen, Kimball’s commanding officer. “This crew demonstrated remarkable skill, tenacity, and teamwork across a wide spectrum of Coast Guard missions. Their professionalism made a direct positive impact to the safety and security of the Alaskan community.” 

While on patrol, Kimball’s crew crossed the Arctic Circle, earning the designation as “Blue Nose Polar Bears.” The crew also engaged with the Dutch Harbor, Alaksa, community by volunteering for a beach clean-up and hosting a holiday-themed tour of the cutter for nearly 250 local residents. 

Commissioned in 2019, Kimball is one of two 418-foot, Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Honolulu. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations and defense readiness. The namesake of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball is Sumner Increase Kimball, the organizer of the United States Life-Saving Service and its general superintendent from 1878–1915. 

Construction of ASCs at Bollinger’s Gulf Coast shipbuilding facilities promotes the rapid onshoring of icebreaking technology and swift deployment of these new critical vessels to the fleet.  

Release From Bollinger Shipyards

LOCKPORT, La. — (December 29, 2025) – Bollinger Shipyards (“Bollinger”) today announced it has signed a contract with the U.S. Coast Guard for the construction of four Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), a new class of medium polar icebreakers that will expand America’s operational presence in the Arctic. 

The contract formalizes Bollinger’s leading role in the historic U.S.–Finland collaboration announced earlier this fall by the White House.   Bollinger will construct ASCs based on the Multi-Purpose Icebreaker design by Seaspan Shipyards of Vancouver, Canada, developed with Aker Arctic Technology Inc of Helsinki, Finland. To support the objectives of the White House, Bollinger has worked in close partnership with Rauma Marine Construction Oy, a Finnish shipyard, to ensure that the US receives these icebreaking capabilities as rapidly as possible. 

Work on the four Bollinger-built ASCs will be based at its shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. Construction of the ASCs will be supported by the company’s workforce at multiple facilities across America’s Gulf Coast to meet the aggressive schedule set forth by President Trump. 

“The Arctic Security Cutter is one of the most consequential and time-sensitive shipbuilding programs in U.S. Coast Guard history, and today’s contract award is a clear vote of confidence in the men and women of Bollinger,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “The program will be Bollinger’s fifth class of cutters built for the Coast Guard, building on our current Sentinel and Polar Security Cutter programs and more than 40 years of experience in delivering over 187 cutters for the service. With clear direction from President Trump and an aggressive delivery timeline, our mission is straightforward: leverage the full strength of our shipbuilding facilities across the Gulf Coast, along with our proven partners, to deliver these cutters on schedule and mission ready on day one.” 

“By centering ASC construction in Houma, Louisiana, while drawing on our broader footprint, we gain the flexibility and capacity to move fast without compromising safety or quality,” Bordelon added. “These ships will operate in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Our responsibility is to deliver a stable, reliable platform that Coast Guard crews can trust from their first mission underway and for decades to come.” 

The contract for four Bollinger-built ASCs is part of a broader program that will ultimately field up to eleven Arctic Security Cutters under the trilateral ICE Pact framework. Together with the ongoing Polar Security Cutter program, ASC will provide the Coast Guard with a modern, layered icebreaking fleet capable of enforcing U.S. sovereignty, protecting American interests against global threats and enabling year-round operations as commercial activity and strategic competition accelerate in the Arctic. 

About the Arctic Security Cutter Program 

The Arctic Security Cutter is a new class of medium polar icebreakers designed to conduct missions of the U.S. Coast Guard in the world’s most challenging maritime environments.  The ASC will be capable of breaking thick sea ice, sailing thousands of nautical miles without resupply and remaining on-station for extended periods. Along with the future Polar Security Cutter class, ASCs will provide the Coast Guard with the endurance and capability needed to protect U.S. interests in the rapidly evolving Arctic domain. 

Release From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday it will return Station Pascagoula in Pascagoula, Mississippi to full response operations. 

In conjunction with assignment year 2026, Station Pascagoula will go from scheduled mission operations to full response operations. 

“After temporarily reducing capabilities at Station Pascagoula in 2023 due to severe workforce shortages, I am pleased to announce the Coast Guard will fully restore the unit’s operational capabilities and readiness in 2026,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, acting commandant. “Our strong recruiting performance has made this possible. Station Pascagoula is vital to securing our southern maritime border and supporting the Port of Pascagoula’s $18 billion economic impact. This action directly supports our nation’s security and economic prosperity.” 

The return of Coast Guard Station Pascagoula to full response operations represents a local application of the national strategy in achieving operational control of the border and facilitating commerce. Strategically positioned on the Gulf Coast, the station directly contributes to controlling the southern maritime border by conducting operations to deter and interdict illegal migration and illicit trafficking. Simultaneously, it facilitates commerce vital to economic security by controlling and securing the Port of Pascagoula against both physical and cyber threats, supporting the goal of U.S. maritime dominance. Underpinning these dedicated missions is the station’s sustained readiness, embodying the Coast Guard’s “Semper Paratus” principle to successfully respond to any crisis or contingency with little warning, from search and rescue emergencies to natural disasters. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, Dec. 19 2025

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew returned home Sunday after completing a successful expeditionary patrol under Operation Blue Pacific, deepening partnerships with Pacific nations and bolstering maritime security in the region.

The Sentinel-class fast response cutter crew operated for over 500 hours, patrolling 5,380 nautical miles from Nov. 17 to Dec. 14, with 15 days dedicated to providing a persistent presence in the exclusive economic zones of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau, as well as on the high seas.

Crew members worked closely with partners from FSM and Palau. They enacted the bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements with Pacific partners and embarked law enforcement officers from these nations’ maritime police forces to conduct interoperable patrols. This hands-on cooperation enabled the joint teams to conduct six bilateral boardings and inspections of fishing vessels in the FSM EEZ. On the high seas, the cutter’s crew inspected one vessel under the authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

These efforts helped combat illegal fishing and other illicit maritime activities. They also enhanced maritime domain awareness, supported the safe flow of commerce, and promoted good maritime governance.

Myrtle Hazard’s team stepped in to provide critical presence in Palau’s waters during a five-day patrol. This coverage supported Palauan authorities while their Guardian-class patrol boat underwent scheduled maintenance. The patrol went beyond simple transit. It focused on building maritime security, engaging directly with Pacific partners, and enforcing international maritime law through shared operations.

“The relationships we build with our Pacific partners are at the heart of this mission,” said Lt. Emma Saunders, commanding officer of Myrtle Hazard. “Executing bilateral maritime law enforcement operations with our partners allows us to work side by side with the common goals of deterring illicit maritime activities, protecting our oceans, and supporting the communities that rely on their natural resources.”

These actions advanced U.S. Coast Guard priorities, enabling border security, protecting lawful commerce and trade, and staying ready for contingencies. A persistent, low-visibility presence fosters trust and strengthens ties within the Pacific community through shared law-enforcement-led and community-engagement efforts.

To build goodwill, the crew organized five community events in Pohnpei and Kosrae, FSM. These included a volleyball game with locals, swimming lessons for children, and tours of the cutter.

“The community events in Pohnpei and Kosrae were some of our favorite parts of the patrol,” said Saunders. “We have some pretty good athletes on the crew, and sharing the court with the all-stars from the local village teams made for an unforgettable volleyball match full of laughs and friendly competition. The swimming lessons for local youth and cutter tours for veterans and their families were a hit all around. It’s moments like these that really help build lasting relationships.” Crew members further maintained readiness through training, earning new qualifications and currency, and completing 10 drills covering navigation, engineering, damage control, and medical response. During the patrol, Myrtle Hazard crossed the equator. The crew celebrated with traditional ceremonies, including a line-crossing event, a Cutterman ceremony recognizing a member serving more than five years at sea, and a promotion to lieutenant junior grade.

About Operation Blue Pacific Operation Blue Pacific is the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategic, multi-mission campaign to foster security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity across Oceania and the Pacific Islands, working collaboratively with island nations to combat illegal fishing, narcotics, support search and rescue, and build strong mutual maritime governance through ship patrols, training, and shared operations, enhancing regional stability and the U.S.’s role as a trusted partner.

About USCGC Myrtle Hazard The Myrtle Hazard is the 39th 154-foot Sentinel-class FRC, named in honor of the first enlisted woman in the U.S. Coast Guard who served as an electrician and radio operator. It is one of three cutters currently based in Guam, a cornerstone for the U.S. Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. and the people of Oceania.