Aug. 4, 2023

Prototype work begins on the Coast Guard’s newest heavy polar icebreaker

Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding began cutting steel July 24, 2023, on the first prototype module that will become the foundation of a new polar security cutter (PSC), the first heavy icebreaker to be built in the United States in 50 years.

July 21, 2023

Coast Guard accepts 54th fast response cutter

The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 54th fast response cutter (FRC), William Sparling, July 20 in Key West, Florida. William Sparling will be the fifth FRC to be homeported in Boston.

July 14, 2023

Coast Guard begins production phase of medium endurance cutter service life extension program

The service life extension program (SLEP) for the 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutters (MECs) moved to the production phase July 1 with the start of industrial work on Coast Guard Cutter Spencer.

June 30, 2023

Research and Development Center celebrates change of command

Capt. Michael Chien assumed the duties of commanding officer of the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) June 16, 2023.

June 29, 2023

First 47-foot motor lifeboats delivered following design modification to service life extension program

The Coast Guard’s In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program in partnership with the Boat Acquisition Program completed service life extension program (SLEP) work on a ninth and 10th 47-foot motor lifeboat (MLB) in June. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

June 15, 2023

Coast Guard completes 15-month upgrades on 225-foot seagoing buoy tender

The Coast Guard’s In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program recently completed 15 months of upgrade work as part of a major maintenance availability (MMA) on the 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender Aspen. Work was completed at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, with Aspen departing June 8.

June 7, 2023

Coast Guard reinforces importance of innovation through annual awards

“Innovation has never been more important than now.” Adm. Steven Poulin’s words were meant as much for the group gathered at the Coast Guard Senior Leadership Conference as for the winners of the Capt. Niels P. Thomsen Innovation Awards that were being handed out. “We have to keep pace with the changing world,” the vice commandant said. “All of us need to sharpen our competitive edge. The status quo is no longer the best way.”

June 7, 2023

Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay completes HVAC upgrade

The Coast Guard’s In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program is nearing completion of a class-wide upgrade to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the service’s 140-foot bay-class icebreaking tugs.

June 5, 2023

Coast Guard commissions third New England-based fast response cutter

The Coast Guard commissioned the 52nd fast response cutter (FRC), Maurice Jester, June 2 in Newport, Rhode Island. Maurice Jester is the third of six FRCs to be stationed in Boston.

May 30, 2023

Coast Guard begins third phase of Polar Star service life extension program

The Coast Guard has commenced the third of five planned phases of Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s service life extension program (SLEP), as part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment Program. The contractor, Mare Island Dry Dock LLC, began work at the cutter’s homeport in Seattle on April 17, 2023, performing various initial operational tests and cable installation for the new fire detection system.