May 23, 2025

RDC study of next-generation aids to navigation provides insights into cost-effective ways to leverage new technologies

The Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) conducted a multi-year study to evaluate whether transitioning to next-generation or “next-gen” aids-to-navigation (ATON) buoys would prove to be more cost-effective than the steel buoys that are currently used.

May 1, 2025

Coast Guard to begin full production activities for first polar security cutter and low-rate initial production for waterways commerce cutter

On April 30, 2025, the Coast Guard received approval from the Department of Homeland Security for full production of the first polar security cutter (PSC). The service also received approval for low-rate initial production of the waterways commerce cutter (WCC).

May 1, 2025

Coast Guard releases request for information to support domestic icebreaker market research

The Coast Guard today released a request for information (RFI) to inform the development of its acquisition strategy to recapitalize its light and medium domestic icebreaking capabilities. Industry sources are invited to submit information on existing icebreaking-capable vessels or vessel designs that are ready for construction or already in production.

April 28, 2025

Research and Development Center projects focus on Coast Guard key mission areas

In fiscal year 2024, the Coast Guard Research and Development Center in New London, Connecticut, supported a research portfolio of 46 projects, covering the full scope of the Coast Guard’s missions.

April 22, 2025

Coast Guard commissions 58th fast response cutter, first for Kodiak

The Coast Guard commissioned Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon on April 3 in Kodiak, Alaska. John Witherspoon is the 58th fast response cutter (FRC) and the first of three FRCs scheduled to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak.

April 15, 2025

Polar Star begins final phase of service life extension work

The Coast Guard has initiated the final of five planned phases of the service life extension program (SLEP) for Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, the service’s sole operational heavy icebreaker. Polar Star arrived at Mare Island Dry Dock in Vallejo, California, on March 30 to begin the remaining SLEP activities; the work is part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program. 

March 31, 2025

Coast Guard transition to MHS GENESIS continues with digitization of paper health records

The Electronic Health Record Acquisition Program segmented the acquisition into four distinct segments: A, B, C and D. The digitization of legacy paper health records, which is part of Segment B, is currently in progress. As of February 2025, significant progress has been made with 40% of paper health records successfully digitized.

March 21, 2025

Coast Guard Cutter Spencer completes service life extension program

Coast Guard Cutter Spencer, a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter, departed Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on March 8, 2025, having successfully completed its 20-month service life extension program (SLEP).

March 18, 2025

Coast Guard accepts 59th fast response cutter

The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 59th fast response cutter (FRC), Earl Cunningham, on March 6, 2025, in Key West, Florida. Earl Cunningham is the second of three FRCs to be homeported in Kodiak, Alaska.

Feb. 20, 2025

Coast Guard accepts 18th C-130J long range surveillance aircraft

The Coast Guard accepted its 18th C-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance (LRS) aircraft from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia, on Jan. 30.