GovernmentExecutive.com

Return to Article: Coast Guard uses new model to procure new fleet

• 40867
  

  Back in the beginning of the "War on Drugs" ( early 1980's ) I was assigned to one of the newest, fastest, most technologically advanced ships the USN built at the time. Aside from budget, perhaps one of the reasons the the USN does not want an up-to-date Coast Gaurd service is because during peacetime, the USN often participates in drug interdiction for training purpases; tracking down the smugglers through our air, sea, and beneath the sea resourses. The Coast Guard does the actual board and search. The training was vital to the USN especially for a young crew aboard a brand new ship that even a hardened electrical or mechanical engineer would have trouble with let alone a seasoned flight controller.

  One final point. The old saying "fire one over the Bow" still holds true, I believe. The U.S. will spend big bucks attemping to build fully manned "Intercepters" to catch up with a smugglers speed-boats especially when one considers holding cells,search teams, etc. Basically, no one can out run a 5 inch shell, but legally and ethiclly, I don't think the U.S. voters are ready for an execution style drug policy. It is hard enough to catch a known criminal on land with out shooting first, let alone at sea ( unless they place someone in emmenant, physical danger). Whats the answer? Secular divisions are ancient history when it comes to national security. Of course change takes time, but meanwhile we are wasting money and lives, no matter what "war" we face. There was a saying back in my day. "TRADITION UN-IMPAIRED BY PROGRESS". Might we be seeing a little of that here?

  Thomas Hill Posted January 6, 2008 6:38 PM