Commandant News

The US Coast Guard has retired Homeport as of April 12, 2025. Moving forward, there will be approaches for tasks typically performed through the Homeport platform.The Homeport system is facing increasing costs and system obsolescence. As a result, it is no longer a viable tool for managing the many functions required to ensure the smooth and safe flow of vessel traffic. “We recognize that Homeport has been a trusted tool for mariners and the broader maritime community,” said Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew returned to the United States, arriving in San Francisco Sunday, following a 128-day deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2025.Polar Star completed its 28th voyage to Antarctica in support of the joint military service mission to resupply and maintain the United States Antarctic Stations. Every year, a joint total force team works together to complete a successful Operation Deep Freeze in support of the U.S.

The first thirty days of the new Trump Administration have brought sweeping changes throughout the federal government. We take a pause to assess where things stand for maritime stakeholders and what may be coming next in Washington, DC, for our industry.A Maritime DirectiveFor those that work in the U.S maritime space, it is axiomatic to state that all aspects of the maritime industry are critical to our national security. U.S. flag vessels and merchant mariners not only support U.S. economic prosperity, but also build the key sea lines of communication to support military operations.

Shares in South Korean shipbuilders HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean rose more than 15% and 16%, respectively, today, after two U.S. senators debuted a bill to allow the U.S. Navy to build naval vessels in a shipyard located in a U.S. allied country.Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and John Curtis (R-UT) have introduced two new bills aimed at enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. The "Ensuring Naval Readiness Act" and the "Ensuring…

The Coast Guard gets its first new polar icebreaker in more than 25 years.The Coast Guard has accepted its first new polar icebreaker in more than 25 years, but it’s not really new. The 12,900-ton, 360-foot Anchor Handling Tug Support Ship (AHTS) Aiviq was acquired by the Coast Guard and renamed USCGC Storis (WAGB 21).According to a Coast Guard statement, “On Nov. 20, the Coast Guard purchased the M/V Aiviq, a 360-foot U.S.-built polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker for $125 million in a deal with Offshore Surface Vessels LLC.

The United States' maritime coastal security poses a significant challenge due to the vastness of its coastline and the complexity of its maritime borders. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Geodetic Survey there are approximately 95,000 miles of coastline. According to the Department of Homeland Security 2007 Transportation Systems publication there are “361 ports, and 3.3 million square miles of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to secure”.

A Greek Ombudsman has recommended disciplinary action against eight coastguard officers for alleged dereliction of duty in one of the deadliest migrant shipwrecks off Greece in which hundreds died in 2023.The inquiry is the first to conclude on the circumstances surrounding the shipwreck off the southwestern coastal town of Pylos on June 14, 2023, which sank in plain sight of Greek coastguard authorities with about 750 people on board.The trawler, named Ariana, had left Libya…

The Coast Guard announced immediate action on executive orders issued by the White House Tuesday.“The U.S. Coast Guard is the world’s premiere maritime law enforcement agency, vital to protecting America’s maritime borders, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard’s acting commandant. “Per the President’s Executive Orders, I have directed my operational commanders to immediately surge assets—cutters, aircraft, boats and deployable specialized forces—to increase Coast Guard presence and focus starting with the following key areas:Coast Guard Vice Adm.

GAO-25-106953, published today, says, "Additional Efforts Needed to Assess the Effectiveness of DHS's Approach."Fast FactsThe U.S. economy depends on the efficient flow of millions of tons of cargo each day throughout the global supply chain, most arriving by ship. The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection monitor these vessels for potential national security risks, like smuggling.At the 8 ports we reviewed, the agencies generally followed selected leading collaboration…

The Trump administration fired U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the first female uniformed leader of an Armed Forces branch, for putting diversity issues over border security, Fox News Digital reported.See Related story on the US Coast GuardWhile the White House and Homeland Security Department did not immediately return a request for comment on the report, it appears valid from various sources as President Trump promised a rapid shake up in government.Trump adviser Elon Musk…

HII has christened San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock Harrisburg (LPD 30) at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.“Today is more than just a christening; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, commitment and the enduring purpose of the work we do every day at Ingalls,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “Like its namesake, Harrisburg — with its rich history of strength, resilience and leadership — shares the same qualities reflected in our shipbuilders…

The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) announced that Rear Admiral Richard V. Timme, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), has joined OMSA as a Senior Advisor.This appointment underscores OMSA’s longstanding commitment to working collaboratively with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and other regulatory agencies to develop practical, common-sense solutions that enhance the safety and security of the U.S. maritime industry.“I’m excited to join the OMSA team and continue more than three decades of service to the maritime community,” said Admiral Timme. “OMSA members are a crucial part of our U.S.

Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety, has been appointed by Director of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas as a Representative to the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (NBSAC).A coalition of recreational boating safety, state boating officials, national boating organizations, and boat and equipment manufacturers, NBSAC provides valuable assistance to the Department of Homeland Security, through the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, on matters related to recreational boating safety.

The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing is hosting an intersessional meeting of the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (NMERPAC) subcommittee on task 24-3 Operator of Remote-Controlled Survey Vessels of 65' or less.The subcommittee will meet virtually through Microsoft Teams on January 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST).NMERPAC advises, consults with, and makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security through the…

The Coast Guard announced it accepted ownership of the motor vessel Aiviq, a 360-foot polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker, from an Edison Chouest Offshore subsidiary Friday.The vessel, acquired Dec. 11, will enhance U.S. operational presence in the Arctic and support Coast Guard missions while awaiting delivery of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) class.Upon commissioning, the ship will be renamed Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21), marking the second cutter to bear that name. The original Storis, known as the “Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast,” had a storied history conducting icebreaking operations in Alaska and the Arctic.“This acquisition is a vital step in increasing our operational presence in the Arctic,” said Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard.

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has released an interim staff memorandum providing an update on the Committee’s ongoing investigation into the United States Coast Guard (USCG) following allegations of pervasive sexual assault and misconduct.The memorandum details how the USCG concealed “Operation Fouled Anchor” from Congress, failed to address both historic and persistent sexual misconduct at the USCG Academy, and neglected to help victims and hold perpetrators accountable.Key Takeaways from the Interim Memorandum:USCG leadership made a cognizant decision to withhold Operation Fouled Anchor and other related misconduct reviews from Congress and the public.

Washington comes to grips with the reality that the domestic intermodal equation includes four modes. One of them is by water. It’s about time.One of the great things about spending five years in retirement (I mean, aside from being blissfully idle while you toiled) is that, when you do come back to work, you enjoy a truly fresh perspective in all aspects of your job. Not only does this provide new energy, more importantly, a half decade of change is much easier to discern. Nowhere…

"Safety is more than just compliance. It is now synonymous with security, reliability, collective relationships and people. Safety is also becoming systems based rather than rooted in prescriptive rules or specific component procedures. Only by embracing a proactive, systems-oriented approach to safety, can the maritime industry navigate the path to a decarbonized future while ensuring the well-being of its seafarers and the protection of the marine environment.” That was the message from Christopher J.

Infostealers, a type of malware designed to steal sensitive information from an infected system, has marked significant rise in the first half of 2024 in the maritime domain, Marlink’s Security Operations Center (SOC) has reported.The whole process involves six steps – starting from initial infection to the exploitation of acquired data, which can have serious consequences for the maritime industry, which relies heavily on interconnected systems and digital platforms.The initial…

During the first half of the year, the threat landscape in the maritime environment has continued to evolve and surprise, compared to what was recorded in 2023.Marlink’s Security Operations Center (SOC) has reported that monitoring up to 1,800 vessels, adding visibility into events from endpoint protection solutions (EDR), firewalls, and e-mail security, along with the context provided by intelligence capabilities, has allowed it to gain deeper insight into what actions to take…

Malicious cyber activity in the first six months in the maritime sector increased significantly compared to the previous year, highlighting the importance of introducing proactive security measures to stay ahead of ever evolving tactics of cyber criminals.Marlink recently released the latest global maritime cyber threat report produced by its Security Operations Center (SOC), which registered 23,400 malware detections and 178 ransomware detections in the first half of 2024.Firewall events…

A new report published by DNV has revealed that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the industry should accept increased cyber risk from digitalization if it enables innovation and new technologies.The sector’s appetite to take on emerging risks arising from digital transformation is notably higher than other critical infrastructure industries including energy, manufacturing and healthcare, according to DNV.The industry’s increasing appetite for cyber risk comes at a time when it must manage a growing volume of vulnerabilities.Namely…

There’s plenty to go around for everyone, no matter it comes from.I will admit that attending the 2024 Workboat Show in the Big Easy just ten days after settling into the MarineNews Editor’s chair (for this, the second time around) had my full attention. The event typically evokes the specter of drinking from the proverbial fire hose in routine times, but attending and digesting all it has to offer, right out of the gate, makes the task just little bit edgier. Ultimately, last week’s trade show exuded terrific energy, from exhibitors to attendees alike.