The U.S. Coast Guard is experiencing a period of significant growth and modernization under President Donald Trump, marked by record-breaking achievements and substantial investment. A $25 billion federal funding surge is fueling “Force Design 2028,” a comprehensive plan to restructure and bolster the service’s capabilities.
Modernization and Expansion
Force Design 2028 is driving major structural reforms within the Coast Guard, including the establishment of a Deployable Specialized Forces Command and expanded training capacity. The funding is facilitating the acquisition of an estimated 17 fresh icebreakers, 21 new cutters, over 40 helicopters, and six C-130J aircraft. Modernization efforts also extend to shore infrastructure and maritime surveillance systems.
These improvements are intended to strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to interdict illegal foreign nationals and combat drug and human trafficking at sea, as well as enhance search and rescue operations, navigational safety, and maritime trade.
Increased Operational Tempo
The Coast Guard has significantly increased its operational tempo, particularly in border security. The service is deploying advanced unmanned systems and intelligence-driven patrols to secure over 100,000 miles of U.S. Borders. Last year, Coast Guard crews interdicted, deterred, or transported more than 12,000 illegal foreign nationals, representing a 44% increase in interdictions in some regions.
Elite tactical teams, working with the departments of War, Justice, and State, have seized nine illegal vessels associated with “dark fleet” operations since December. Crews seized a record 547,000 pounds of illegal narcotics last year – nearly three times the normal average – with a street value exceeding $3.9 billion.
Counter-Drug Operations and Rescue Efforts
Coast Guard counter-drug operations disrupted transnational criminal organizations and prevented over 206 million lethal doses from reaching U.S. Communities, saving taxpayers more than $10 billion, including $2.27 billion in healthcare expenses. In addition to law enforcement, the Coast Guard conducted thousands of search and rescue missions, saving over 5,200 lives and protecting over $1 billion in property.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan was awarded the Legion of Merit for extraordinary heroism after saving 165 people during the Texas Hill Country flood disaster last July 4.
Economic Impact and Future Operations
The Coast Guard also plays a vital role in facilitating economic activity, enabling the safe transport of 1.8 billion tons of cargo last year – a 13% increase. Crews are projected to move $5.4 trillion in goods this year. During Winter Storm Fern, Coast Guard cutters conducted the largest domestic icebreaking operation in the U.S. In the Great Lakes region, assisting 142 vessels.
New icebreakers are currently under construction in shipyards in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, and Lockport, Louisiana. The Coast Guard, which has a historical role in national security dating back to WWII in the Arctic, is expected to expand operations in that region under the current administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Force Design 2028?
Force Design 2028 is a comprehensive plan to restructure and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard, made possible by a $25 billion federal funding surge.
How many people did the Coast Guard save last year?
Coast Guard crews saved more than 5,200 lives and protected over $1 billion in property through thousands of search and rescue missions last year.
What was the value of the narcotics seized by the Coast Guard last year?
The Coast Guard seized a record more than 547,000 pounds of illegal narcotics last year, with a street value exceeding $3.9 billion.
As the Coast Guard continues to implement Force Design 2028, what challenges and opportunities might arise in balancing its diverse missions – from search and rescue to national security – with its expanded capabilities?
