Blog
Backing the Coast Guard in FY27
Right now, 57,000 men and women continue to serve our waters and shorelines as they honorably carry out their duties for the United States Coast Guard. My own community of Fort Pierce is lucky to host a station on South Hutchinson Island where Coasties operate two 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums (RB-M) and two 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement (SPC-LE) boats for our protection. That’s why, in Congress, I asked to serve on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard subcommittee—-which is responsible for writing the legislation that authorizes the branch’s budget.
Today’s hearing on the President’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal involved testimonies from two Coast Guard leaders who work tirelessly to support domestic maritime security: Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant, and Master Chief Phillip N. Waldron, Master Chief Petty Officer.
Here’s what you need to know in a few toplines on the request:
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LARGEST RECAPITALIZATION SINCE WORLD WAR II — phases out a 60-year-old fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters.
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ESTABLISHING ARCTIC DOMINANCE — introduces Coast Guard Cutter ‘Storis’, our first U.S. icebreaker in 25 years.
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GROWING THE GUARD — expands the Coast Guard’s ranks with the capacity to add 15,000 active duty members.
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ADVANCEMENTS IN AIRCRAFT — develops one long-range Unmanned Aircraft System and ground control station as well as extensions for the medium-range surveillance aircraft fleet.
After decades of underinvestment, America’s Coast Guard has an entire Administration and Congress standing up for them with the resources to meet the missions of today: securing the border, leading the world in the Arctic, and stopping the flow of illicit and lethal drugs into our neighborhoods. Semper Paratus!