Balancing the books: US Coast Guard plots course through stormy seas

Against an austere background of declining budgets, the US Coast Guard (USCG) is implementing administrative and programmatic reductions in certain areas, while investing in initiatives with the highest return on expenditure - particularly those intended to replace vessels well past their 'best-before' date.

This means a reduction in personnel strength by over 1,000 people and the decommissioning of ageing, high maintenance platforms, including three Hamilton- and Hero-class High Endurance Cutters (USCGC Dallas was due to be retired on 30 March ahead of its transfer to the Philippine Navy), three 110 ft (33.5 m) Island-class patrol craft and three HU-25 Falcon maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs)
[first posted to http://jni.janes.com - 28 March 2012]