WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are frustrated about delays and cost overruns with the Coast Guard's polar security cutter program, which is years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.
In support of the United States' vital national interests in the polar regions, the Coast Guard launched the program in 2013 to replace outdated vessels dating back to 1976 and 1978, well beyond their originally intended 30-year service lives.
But the design of the lead ship is only 67% complete, delaying delivery by about five years until 2029 at the earliest.
A Congressional Research Service report says costs for the program are expected to increase by 60%. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a new report, says the Coast Guard needs to take action to improve and speed up design, construction, and delivery.
"It is safe to say no one is happy with the results the Coast Guard is seeing. Change is needed," said Shelby Oakley, a director in GAO's contracting and national security acquisitions team.
The Coast Guard's deputy commandant of mission support told members of the House Homeland Security Transportation and Maritime Subcommittee on Tuesday that he too is frustrated.
"Right now, the buck stops with me, and I am focused on getting to detailed design and construction because our nation needs the ship," Vice Admiral Paul Thomas said.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) asked: "When will you be done with design? When will construction stop? I am going to hold you to it. So, what is the time?"
Thomas replied: "We intend to begin construction late this year."
Gimenez said: "What's late this year?"
Thomas responded: "Probably late December."
Gimenez said: "In December? I will call you back. and we're going to see where we are with this icebreaker."