DHS FY 2021 budget fully funds second USCG Polar Security Cutter
Written by Nick Blenkey
Image: VT Halter Marine / Designer: Technology Associates, Inc.
The Department of Homeland Security says that its FY 2021 budget request “sustains the most critical Coast Guard operations and continues the Service’s highest priority recapitalization efforts for cutters, boats, aircraft, systems, and infrastructure.”
The FY 2021 funding request continues efforts on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program to meet growing demands in the Polar Regions by fully funding construction of the second Polar Security Cutter (formerly the Heavy Polar Ice Breaker)..
Shipbuilder VT Halter Marine’s contract for the first Polar Security Cutter includes options for two additional ships.
Additionally, the DHS budget request supports construction of the third Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and Long Lead Time Material (LLTM) for the fourth.
In FY 2021, says DHS, the Coast Guard will accept delivery of more capable, modernized assets. The budget provides the resources to operate and maintain these new assets including operations and maintenance of one National Security Cutter, crew of the first OPC, and two Fast Response Cutters.
The table below shows the dollar amounts of the Vessels category of the DHS budget request for the USCG
| (Dollars in thousands) | FY 2019 Enacted | FY 2020 Enacted | FY 2021 Requested |
| Vessels | $1,581,350 | $994,000 | $1,280,400 |
| Survey and Design – Vessels and Boats | $5,500 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| In-Service Vessel Sustainment | $63,250 | $91,400 | $82,600 |
| National Security Cutter | $72,600 | $160,500 | $31,000 |
| Offshore Patrol Cutter | $400,000 | $312,000 | $546,000 |
| Fast Response Cutter | $340,000 | $260,000 | $20,000 |
| Cutter Boats | $5,000 | $15,100 | $3,800 |
| Polar Security Cutter | $675,000 | $135,000 | $555,000 |
| Waterways Commerce Cutter | $5,000 | $2,500 | $25,000 |
| Polar Sustainment | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
Source: DHS
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