US Coast Guard says it chased off Chinese icebreaker
The Chinese ship's "unannounced/seemingly unapproved presence" in American waters is "concerning and outside international norms," said a senior officer for an American icebreaker.
The Chinese ship's "unannounced/seemingly unapproved presence" in American waters is "concerning and outside international norms," said a senior officer for an American icebreaker.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem wants a Coast Guard Secretary. But bureaucratic muscle must accompany the proposed role, writes Daniel E. White, a former deputy assistant secretary of homeland security for strategy and policy planning.
Former President Joe Biden presented ICE Pact last year as a pathway to compete with Russian and Chinese icebreaker production. President Donald Trump has continued the effort, but with a twist.
The service wants a ship that can be launched within three years of a contract award being issued, according to a recent request for information.
While the Coast Guard has its eye on a smaller number of "big" icebreakers for high north operations, the service said it's looking to "replace, modernize and grow" its entire fleet, including many smaller vessels.
The contract award comes as President Donald Trump has been publicly calling for the United States to buy dozens of new icebreakers.
“This is putting our toe in the water a bit to understand it, to make sure that we know how to employ this force. Is the return on investment for this level of capability going to return good, fruitful utilization of it?" said Adm. Daryl Caudle, US Fleet Forces Commander.
The first deliveries are expected later this year as part of a multi-year deal for what Shield AI says is the first ship-launched intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform for the Japanese navy.
Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., today called Fagan's firing an "abuse of power" and praised her record as the service's chief.
Almost five years since awarding the first frigate contract, the US Navy is starting to move out on finding a second builder.
“We don't have enough parts ... and we're deferring on dry docks. That will all begin to compound for more costs, not less, and it is eroding readiness,” Adm. Linda Fagan told Breaking Defense.
The Polar Security Cutter has had numerous schedule and costs challenges as the first American icebreaker to be built in decades.
The letter, signed by Sens. Chris Murphy, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Patty Murray, calls the new security agreement "critical" and warns of Chinese investments in high north capabilities."
The Congressional Budget Office's report states the Coast Guard is working on its own new cost estimate for the heavy icebreaker program.