From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for: GAO: Coast Guard Cutters - Deferred Maintenance
Challenges & Staffing Availability 

Description: The U.S. Coast Guard faces increasing challenges operating
and maintaining its fleet of 241 cutters--vessels 65 feet or greater in
length with accommodations for crew to live on board. Since fiscal year
2019, the cutter fleet was increasingly unavailable to conduct missions
due to increasing equipment failures.

GAO is making five recommendations, including that the Coast Guard
collect and assess data on (1) the impact of deferred maintenance on
cutter equipment failures and which parts and systems are or will become
obsolete, and develop mitigation strategies as appropriate; and (2)
staff availability for cutter crew and support positions, and use this
information to inform personnel assignments.

Related GAO Work: GAO-25-107222, Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Address
Cutter Maintenance and Workforce Challenges

Released: June 2025


[ START ]


[ Text On-Screen: ]

To ensure the safety and security of the U.S. coastline and inland
waterways, the Coast Guard relies heavily on a fleet of 241
cutters--vessels 65 feet or greater in length, with accommodations for
crew. 

Due to deferred maintenance and challenges obtaining essential parts,
the aging cutter fleet is becoming increasingly unavailable for missions
as equipment fails.

As a result, the Coast Guard cannibalizes parts from working cutters and
often deploys overworked and understaffed crews.

We recommended fully assessing and addressing how these challenges
affect the cutter fleet and workforce.

Find Out More At GAO.gov

Footage: Department of Defense


[ END ]


For more info, check out our report GAO-25-107222 at: GAO.gov