What Happened
Coast Guard Aviation Fleet Performance and Procurement Plans
Independent government auditors found that the Coast Guard’s aircraft availability rates and inventories have declined over the past two decades. The Coast Guard’s aviation fleets currently comprise 100 H-65 helicopters, 50 H-60 helicopters, and 50 fixed-wing aircraft. The Congressional Budget Office found a slight drop in availability rates and inventory, with fixed-wing aircraft availability increasing. The Coast Guard procured $3.7 billion for additional aircraft and depot-level maintenance facilities. The nomination of Adm. Kevin Lunday as Coast Guard commandant was announced earlier this year, and he plans to procure up to 40 MH-60 helicopters and six C-130Js. The Coast Guard is also considering shutting down search and rescue stations as part of its force restructuring efforts.