U.S. Coast Guard Set for Major Overhaul with $25 Billion Funding Boost

Photo - U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard will receive a historic investment to rebuild under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

The U.S. Coast Guard will receive a massive influx of funding after a nearly $25 billion dollar investment was approved as part of the Trump Administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill."

It will mark the largest single commitment of funding in U.S Coast Guard history. The $24.6 billion investment is nearly twice the Coast Guard's annual budget. $14.4 billion was allocated for the Service by the Trump administration for the 2026 fiscal year.

“This historic investment marks a new era for the Coast Guard,” said Coast Guard Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday, in a press release.

“It reflects the strong support of the American people and empowers us to restore our Service and prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow. With this level of support, and the dedication of our Coast Guard men and women, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to build a stronger Coast Guard for the Nation.” 

The funding will increase capability of every facet of Coast Guard operations and will support the Service's role as the Nation’s leading drug interdiction and maritime border security force. The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the United States' five armed services, giving it a unique position as both a military force and a law enforcement agency. Since USCG falls under the Department of Homeland Security as opposed to the Defense Department, it is the only U.S. military service with civil law enforcement powers. It was established in 1790 as the 'Revenue Marine,' and is the oldest continuous maritime service in the U.S..

Since the Trump Administration took office in January, one of their main priorities has been securing the United States border on all fronts. While media coverage has highlighted mainland operations on borders with Mexico and Canada, the increased awareness of vulnerabilities at American sea ports has also reached the forefront.

The funding package will allow the Coast Guard to procure an estimated 17 new icebreakers, 21 new cutters, over 40 helicopters, and six C-130J aircraft. Other funding will also go towards modernizing shore infrastructure and maritime surveillance systems. The package also focuses the Coast Guard’s ability to counter drug and human trafficking, conduct search and rescue, enhance navigational safety, and enable maritime trade. 

$6.6 billion is allocated for improvements and maintenance of existing infrastructure and facilities alone, with the remainder going towards new equipment to be procured immediately.

The Coast Guard is entrusted to protect over 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles across the U.S. exclusive economic zone. The department also protects the maritime transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, performs drug interdictions, and secures the maritime border. The Coast Guard currently has more than 55,000 members, including nearly 42,000 active-duty personnel, 7,800 reservists, and 8,300 civilian employees who operate a multi-mission fleet of more than 250 cutters, 200 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,600 boats, and its own cyber command for protecting maritime infrastructure. 

By comparison, the Canadian Coast Guard employs approximately 6,500 personnel and operates across 243,000 km of coastline (151,000 miles). The CGC has a fleet of roughly 120 vessels including icebreakers, patrol boats, scientific research vessels, and various small craft. It has an annual budget of roughly $2.5 billion Cdn.

Investment highlights include: 

• $4.4 billion for shore infrastructure, training facilities and homeports 

• $4.3 billion for Polar Security Cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic 

• $4.3 billion for nine new Offshore Patrol Cutters 

• $3.5 billion for three Arctic Security Cutters 

• $2.3 billion for more than 40 MH-60 helicopters 

• $2.2 billion for depot level maintenance to sustain readiness 

• $1.1 billion for six new HC-130J aircraft and simulators 

• $1 billion for Fast Response Cutters 

• $816 million for light and medium Icebreaking Cutters 

• $266 million for long-range unmanned aircraft systems 

• $170 million for maritime domain awareness, including next-generation sensors  

• $162 million for three Waterways Commerce Cutters ]

  
  

These investments support the Coast Guard's latest ethos, known as Force Design 2028, which entails a comprehensive effort to modernize operations and capabilities across the Service's entire enforcement area.

#news #coastguard