Trump's cutting $1 billion from the Coast Guard at a time when it's doing more than ever.
President Donald Trump's proposed budget guidance is asking for $1.3 billion in funding cuts to the U.S. Coast Guard at a time when the service is doing more than ever, and is already severely under-resourced.
Trump's budget would cancel a $500 million ship that is already in production, and would likely hit other areas of the Guard, which specializes in interdicting drugs, human trafficking, and keeping a close eye on what Russia is doing in the Arctic.
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In addition to its operations targeting drug smugglers and human traffickers, the Coast Guard has been in and out of the Arctic region with its ice-breaking ships, especially as Russia attempts to claim parts of the region, and its rich resources, for itself.
The Arctic, which has roughly 13% of the world's oil and about one-third of its natural gas, could potentially turn into a South China Sea-like situation. That's because, like China has done with its creation of artificial islands in that region to gain control of shipping lanes, Russia and its fleet of 40 icebreakers has exerted itself in the Arctic to become the dominant player.
While the linked story is heavy on “security” the Coast Guard does so much more.
I watched a National Geographic special Continent 7 the other day and one part of the show was about the icebreaker Polar Star, the only active US heavy icebreaker. While breaking a channel for the resupply ship to the McMurdo research station, the prop shaft thrust bearing supports cracked and the crew had to do emergency repairs. The ship is 40 years old! Plan to build four new icebreakers are on hold.
What other CG activities are at risk by this short sighted FUBAR administration? Non Homeland Security missions include:
The CG also engages in scientific research support including climate science. Hmmm...
Semper Paratus