The U.S. Coast Guard has received nearly $25 billion in supplemental funding for fiscal year 2025, marking the largest investment in its history. However, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlights persistent workforce shortages and equipment issues that undermine its operational capacity. In testimony released prior to a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing, GAO pointed out that critical staffing, maintenance, and acquisition gaps could hinder the Coast Guard’s expanded maritime security mission.
The workforce shortfall is significant, with the Coast Guard ending fiscal year 2024 about 2,600 enlisted personnel short of its goal, representing an 8.5 percent gap. Despite intensified recruiting efforts, there are concerns about the deployment capabilities of specialized personnel in units countering maritime threats. Concurrently, equipment readiness has declined, particularly for Medium Endurance Cutters, due to increasing maintenance challenges, all amidst rising concerns about national security.
Although the funding is intended for a modernization initiative—including new icebreakers, cutters, and helicopters—GAO remains concerned about major acquisition programs like the Offshore Patrol Cutter facing potential delays and cost overruns. Gaps in staffing, readiness, and acquisition management have led GAO to recommend 26 measures to address these issues, yet only four have been fully implemented. As the Coast Guard’s mission continues to evolve, achieving efficient workforce planning and maintenance is essential to ensure the effectiveness of this historic funding. GAO plans to keep monitoring the Coast Guard’s progress in implementing the recommendations.
