DHS Terminates $260 Million Contract for Coast Guard Cutters with Huntington Ingalls

according to a recent proclamation from the Department of Homeland Security, secretary Kristi Noem has decided to terminate a delayed contract for a Legend-class National Security Cutter with huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), leading to important savings of $260 million for taxpayers. The construction, which kicked off in May 2021, has faced considerable delays and is far from completion despite an expected delivery date in 2024.

“This decision reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Secretary Noem remarked. “Huntington Ingalls was supposed to deliver this cutter over a year ago.As we work on revitalizing the U.S. Coast guard under Force Design 2028, it’s crucial that we manage funds wisely.”

In lieu of the canceled contract, the Coast guard will receive $135 million worth of parts aimed at maintaining its current fleet of ten Legend-class cutters. The latest addition to this fleet, USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759), officially entered service in april 2024.

This cancellation may signal a strategic pivot towards prioritizing other programs like the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and Polar Security Cutter (PSC), which are now at the forefront of acquisition efforts within the service. This shift could reflect broader trends in maritime security needs as agencies adapt their strategies based on evolving threats and operational requirements.

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