This is a big deal.Halifax's Irving Shipbuilding is getting the $25-billion contract to build 21 Canadian combat ships and Vancouver's Seaspan Marine has been awarded an $8-billion contract for seven non-combat vessels, the federal government announced Wednesday afternoon.If you are interested in the ships, check out this interactive gallery. You will notice that Canada significantly upgraded their Coast Guard and government maritime security enforcement as part of this shipbuilding deal.Defence Minister Peter MacKay said it was a very exciting day for the Royal Canadian Navy because the ships will help them prepare for the challenges of the 21st century.
I really think the US government needs to think seriously about doing the same for the USCG, indeed replacing USCG Cutters is a bigger national need today than replacing any single type of vessel in the US Navy. Buying USCG Cutters isn't as sexy as buying a bunch of high tech, well armed US Navy ships, but the average age of the Cutter force today is over 40 years old. It's a serious problem.
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