Page 54: of Marine News Magazine (November 2012)

Under the Radar and also the higher proÞ le Fast Response (FRC) and National Security Cutter (NSC) acquisitions is the U.S. Coast GuardÕs effort to replace and upgrade its ß eet of smaller response workboats. The building programs involve big money and substantial innovation. But, for all the progress being made, the failure of the federal government to come to a budget deal for the coming Þ scal year could also put the brakes on some of the most innovative programs that the Coast Guard has ever embarked upon. In the meantime, it is full speed ahead with a three-pronged small boat program that could eventually involve as many as 650 vessels. Retooling the U.S. Coast Guard Retooling the U.S. Coast Guard Small Boat(s), Big mission(s), Uncertain funding(?) Retooling the U.S. Coast Guard Small Boat(s), Big mission(s), Uncertain funding(?) By Joseph Keefe November 201254 MNMNNov2012 Layout 50-65.indd 54MNNov2012 Layout 50-65.indd 5411/6/2012 4:21:15 PM11/6/2012 4:21:15 PM