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MN: One thing that hasn't changed is that your first cutter, the Venturous, commissioned in 1968, is still in service today.

Rear Adm. Blore: Yes. It was a great cut- ter in the 1970s, and it still is. This is indicative of why we need the Deepwater

Program-we have expected too much of the Venturous and cutters like it. It keeps delivering, and we've done what we can to give it a face lift, but it is almost eligible for Social Security! Its subsystems are worn, and it is not nearly as habitable or capable for our crews as it should be.

We are doing what we can in Deepwater to upgrade our legacy cutters' command- and-control suites. Improved connectivity allows them to integrate and operate with the fleet far more effectively. Other sub- systems present real problems. They are integral to the vessel, but many of their manufacturers are no longer in business.

Thank goodness it's a Coast Guard cutter, because over the years we have developed the ability to find a machine shop and reengineer a part if we need to do so.

We're proud of that initiative, but it is unfortunate we have to do so as often as we do.

MN: What is your outlook early in your assignment as Deepwater's PEO?

Rear Adm. Blore: We are grateful to those who first initiated, led, and nour- ished the Deepwater Program. This process began nearly 10 years ago, but it assumed a new dimension when the pro- gram was formally established at contract award in June 2002. We have stabilized our funding stream at a little less than $1 billion a year, we have a 20-year plan adjusted for post-9/11 requirements, and we have a foundation to measure its exe- cution. This is a huge step. Much more has been achieved, of course, with some 16 major acquisitions now moving for- ward in our surface, aviation, logistics, and C4ISR program areas.

We have developed a system-of-systems architecture, and I think that is the right approach. A performance-based contract with a joint venture was the right way to go. For the next few years, I see my role as attending to the asset-by-asset delivery that supports the Deepwater System's net- centric plan. I'm not saying Deepwater is becoming an asset-for-asset replacement program; it's not. But there are windows of opportunity for us to focus on building platforms, installing C4ISR systems, inte- grating net-centric capabilities, and build- ing out Deepwater's grand architecture.

The beauty of Deepwater-its magic-is that if we do step outside the architecture by developing an asset that is either more or less capable then we'll go back and look at the whole package to see if there are other trade-offs to make within the system. My emphasis over the next few years will be to get our appropriated money obligated and deliver assets to the Coast Guard. Our operational forces need the right tools to 30 • MarineNews • June 2006

President Bush presents Adm. Thomas Collins, center, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

Frank Welch with the Presidential Unit Citation May 25 at the Coast Guard change-of-command ceremo- ny for the commandant of the Coast Guard at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C. The prestigious military award honored the Coast Guard's performance during Hurricane Katrina relief operations. Bush praised Collins for his transformation of the Coast Guard during the global war on terror. Adm. Thad

Allen relieved Collins as Coast Guard commandant during the ceremony. (White House photo by Eric

Draper)

The Coast Guard is missionizing its six more capable HC-130J aircraft as part Of the Deepwater Program. The aircraftwill provide improved long-range surveillance capabilities and organic heavy air transport for the Coast Guard's Maritime Safety & Security Teams, Port Security Units, and the National Strike Force. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard)

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