Coast Guard unable to guard much if this keeps up..... and to think

[HysteryDiagnosis]

they are touting how well they are protecting the "Homeland". Lying turds. This is just one more log on the fire.... let her burn....


http://www.gadgetopia.com/2005/07/06/TheCoastGuardIsSinking.html

In fiscal 2004, the engines on the Coast Guard’s 95 HH-65 helicopters suffered power losses at a rate of 329 per 100,000 flight hours, up from 63 per 100,000 flight hours in fiscal 2003. The comparable Federal Aviation Administration standard is 1 per 100,000 flight hours.

It strikes me that “power loss” in a helicopter is a Very Bad Thing.

There have been 23 hull breaches — holes that let in water — requiring emergency dry-dock repairs in the 49 110- and 123-foot patrol boats since 2001.

Each of the dozen 378-foot cutters, most of which operate in the Pacific, suffers a significant engine or hydraulic or refrigeration system breakdown on every patrol

[napi21]

1. Sounds to me like they aren't supplying any replacement parts

to fix these things! My son was in the Navy and his job was repairing the radio equipment on the Navy planes. He constantly complained that he would order parts,a dn they just never came in! The same thing was happening to the guys who worked maintenence on the aircraft themselves. He would say how frustrating the job was. These guys wanted to do their jobs, and couldn't because the military wouldn't provide the parts to do it with.

[Java]

5. Coast Guard Problems

One of the problems that the Coast Guard is having is that their equipment is obsolete...making it near impossible to find replacement parts.

Their Radar and communication shipboard systems are Electronic Antiques.

Coast Guard Ships tend to be much older than Navy Ships (averaging over 30 years).


Basically the Coast Guard needs newer ships and equipment and a logistics strategy where they can obtain replacement parts.
For example imagine trying get to get replacement parts to an Eight-Track Tape Player ("Eight Track..What?" A popular technology for playing music 35 years ago..before there were cassette players...).


Whether the ships are brand new or even Surplus Navy Ships that have been re-fitted, would be a big improvement.

In either case, this means MONEY. Our Government needs to make a larger financial comittment for Homeland Security.

[napi21]

6. But, but, but, that would mean giving up those wonderful tax cuts!

I know you're right on most of that, but my son worked on the avionics of the EA6B which is hardly new. What they used to do is retrofit new equipment. I suspect the CG could do the same thing, if Rummy would spring for the $$.

[MindPilot]

2. one of the four cutters patrolling the so-cal coast was sent to the

Persian Gulf last year. At the time I wondered in a never-published LTTE what part of United States Coast Guard do they not get?

I will probably get flamed for this, but at this point, I really think it is going to take a devastating attack on US soil to wake these dumb fuckers up and it can't happen soon enough.

Let it come apart.

On Edit: The other way to look at this is just one more piece of evidence that the whole terrorism thing is a scam and doesn't really exist except in the minds of those who want to keep us afraid and compliant.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. You nailed it. Let it come apart.... a proper Rx for these neocon

monstrosities. It is coming apart btw. :)

[Gay Green]

4. Even with a devastating attack on the US

they will not wake up. Too much Kool-Aid.

[heidler1]

7. Isn't it more consistent that the powers that be want to let the equip.

deteriorate so as to increase the likelihood of an attack (we appearing to be a paper tiger) so with a real crisis the game can be pumped up another notch. CODE RED. Bush gets better marks when the shit hits the fan. However if the people decide that it's another setup. Bush could be in deep trouble for neglecting his main job, protecting the country.