WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard needs to do a better job of preparing for a downsizing of its helicopter fleet, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
The plan is to drop down from 146 to 127 short-range and medium-range helos, as part of a $105.6 billion modernization effort.
Specifically, the plan would eliminate the short-range Airbus Helicopters MH-65D/E Dolphin search and rescue helicopters, 98 of which are currently in service. Instead, the USCG would transition to an all-medium-range fleet, adding aircraft in that category. The hybrid service – which performs military and law enforcement missions – presently operates 48 Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawks as its medium-range search and rescue platform.
However, auditors at the GAO warned that the USCG has yet to determine if the transition will result in the type and quantity of helicopters needed to meet the mission.
The GAO report also found that the Coast Guard's fixed-wing and rotary aircraft are only considered ready to deploy 66 to 68 % of the time--short of the 71 & availability goal.
Additionally, the report found manning challenges, noting that as of July 2023, the Coast Guard had 387 vacant positions out of 4,134 authorized military aviation workforce slots, accounting for approximately 9 % of the total workforce.
The report makes clear that the Coast Guard has a capable and ready aviation wing and the personnel necessary to operate it are key to national security.
The report states that the Coast Guard "is responsible for protecting and defending more than 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways. It serves as a first responder and humanitarian service that provides aid to people in distress or affected by natural and human-made disasters whether at sea or on shore."