USCGC SANIBEL (WPB 1312) has excellent range and seakeeping capabilities, the Island Class, all named after U.S. islands, replaced the older 95-foot Cape-class patrol boats. These cutters are equipped with advanced electronics and navigation equipment. The cutter has three commissioned officers; one LT (CO), one LTJG (XO), and one ENS (WEPS). The 17 person crew is comprised of the following ratings: Boatswain's Mate (BM), Electrician's Mate (EM), Machinery Technician (MK), Gunner's Mate (GM), and Food Services Specialist (FS). Operating in the Coast Guard 1st District, the cutter reports to Sector Southeastern New England. (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class MyeongHi Clegg)
By: FEDweek StaffA severe recruiting shortfall is forcing the Coast Guard to significantly curtail some missions. As it stands, the service is some 3,000 members short of the end strength numbers it needs, Vice Commandant Adm. Kevin Lundy told an audience at the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, as reported by the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) Press.
Some smaller stations are temporarily closed as a result, and there is not enough personnel to provide crews for all of its vessels, he added.
“We had to lay up three of our major cutters because we don’t have enough enlisted personnel to crew them,” Lundy said. He went on to describe the practice of “controlled parts exchange” – essentially “the fancy term for cannibalization” – in order to keep some assets operational at the expense of overall readiness.
Because of an engine room fire, the USCGC Healy had to return to port just as it departed for its summer Arctic patrol, Lundy said.
The Coast Guard is actively working on plans to encourage more young people to enlist, to include ways to help new recruits meet fitness and mental-toughness standards without compromising them, Lundy said.
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