Coast Guard Aviation Modernization Amid Budget Constraints

Independent government auditors found that the Coast Guard’s aircraft availability rates and inventories have declined over the past two decades. The service is procuring additional aircraft with $3.7 billion in funding and investing $2.2 billion in depot-level maintenance facilities. However, the use of funds for luxury executive jets has raised concerns about resource allocation priorities. The Coast Guard is also considering shutting down search and rescue stations as part of its force restructuring efforts.