Page 32: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2021)

USCG CUTTERS cutters in the Coast Guard inventory, with an average age of operational capability by 2025 and full operational capability 56 years, and the oldest being more than 76 years old. There by 2030. The request for proposals for the WCC program was are three classes—inland buoy tenders (WLI); river buoy released May 3, 2021.

tenders (WLR); and inland construction tenders (WLIC)—in Although the nine 140-foot Bay-class icebreaking tug boats various versions from 65 to 160 feet (20-49 meters) in length, (WTGBs) were built between 1979 and 1988 they just com- and along with their respective work barges can reach up to pleted a service-life extension as part of the Coast Guard’s 190 feet (58 meters). Together these vessels and their associ- Inservice Vessel Sustainment Program to extend their service ated work barges place and maintain buoys; construct towers, life by another 15 years. The WTGBs are assigned to the drive and extract pilings; along with generally support main- northeast and Great Lakes regions of the country. tenance of more than28,000 navigation aids along America’s “The acquisition of 11 National Security Cutters, 25 Off- 12,000-mile Marine Transportation System (MTS) of rivers, shore Patrol Cutters, 3 heavy Ice canals, and intracoastal waterways. Breakers, and 64 Fast Response Cutters provides our Nation

The inland tenders are being replaced under the Coast with over one hundred highly

Guard’s Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program, which capable ships that model the rules-based order,” said Schultz is under an “accelerated program schedule” to reach initial in his “State of the Coast Guard” address in march. “While the

Department of Defense is rightly focused on hard power lethal- ity, the U.S. Coast Guard provides soft power, multi-mission

Coast Guard 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutter ? exibility, trusted access, and non-kinetic options to advance

Escanaba (WMEC 907) departs Boston Harbor in 2018.

U.S. interests, preserve U.S. security and prosperity, and ad-

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Of? cer 2nd Class Lara Davis dress wide-ranging threats and challenges. We bring a range of maritime capabilities to bear across what I like to refer to as 32 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • June 2021

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