Why Some Decommissioned Navy Ships Are Not Suitable for Coast Guard Repurposing

Decommissioned naval ships can potentially serve valuable roles beyond their initial mission. However, the often debated question arises: why can't all retired ships be repurposed for Coast Guard use? Let's explore the reasons behind this challenge, focusing on the maintenance requirements and historical context.

Maintenance and Decommissioning

The decision to decommission a ship is often driven by the condition of its hull, machinery, and overall systems. Ships used in coastal and oceanic duties for extended periods can suffer significant wear and tear, especially when operating in harsh maritime environments like saltwater. Over time, as the ship spends decades in service, structural integrity and operational efficiency can degrade.

Palladium, a newcomer to the discussion, makes an astute observation: 'After 30 years of hard service in salt water, most things made of steel are half rotting away.' This is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced when considering the repurposing of older vessels. The maintenance required to restore these ships to an operational state is substantial.

Historical Context and Successes

While it may seem that modern naval ships are unsuitable for repurposing, history provides some interesting examples. In the 1960s, the Navy did indeed transfer some of its surplus ships to the Coast Guard, known as High Endurance Cutters (HECs).

The CGC Chase, launched in 1968 and retired in 2011, served for 43 years. After decommissioning, the ship was donated to the Nigerian Navy and renamed NNS Thunder. This example illustrates that certain ships can be repurposed and continue to serve under different flags. Similarly, the CGC Sorrel (WLB-296), launched in 1943, had a long and significant service life until it was decommissioned in 1996 after 53 years of service. Later, it was acquired by a Sea Scout group and continued to sail.

Challenges in Maintenance and Repurposing

Despite these successes, there are challenges to repurposing decommissioned Navy ships. Maintenance standards in the Coast Guard are often higher than in the Navy. The Coast Guard places a significant emphasis on preventive maintenance and regular upkeep. This mindset has historically resulted in longer lifespans for their vessels.

Edward mentions, 'General maintenance doesn't seem to be held as high on the priority list as in the Coast Guard.' This difference in approach can make Navy ships less suitable for long-term repurposing. For instance, a Naval ship launched in 1976, which was deemed non-seaworthy due to severe hull degradation, had undergone substantial damage by 1993. This indicates that by the time a ship becomes available, it may require extensive repairs and updates to become viable.

The Coast Guard's focus on maintaining these assets has often meant that they can operate for extended periods with minimal disruptions. As Palladium notes, on rare occasions when the Coast Guard takes on Navy surplus ships, they have managed to operate them for reasonable periods, but with notable exceptions, the used ships did not provide a decent lifespan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some decommissioned Navy ships may be suitable for repurposing, the overall condition and the intensive maintenance required make it less cost-effective for the taxpayers. The Coast Guard's approach to maintenance has historically been more robust, allowing them to extend the lifespan of their assets. However, the significant wear and tear on older Navy ships often outweighs the benefits of repurposing them for Coast Guard use.

Therefore, it is more financially prudent and operationally efficient to allocate resources to acquiring new assets rather than attempting to repurpose questionable, aging vessels. This approach not only ensures operational readiness but also complies with long-term sustainability goals for maritime services.