Today’s hearing should shed some light on the challenges the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program has encountered, and provide insights on options for moving forward.

            The Deepwater program is essential to the Coast Guard’s success in the post-9/11 world.  Considering the aging condition of the Coast Guard fleet and the Coast Guard’s expanded responsibilities, the Deepwater acquisitions are vital to ensure that the Coast Guard can carry out its many security and other responsibilities, including search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, and drug interdiction.  It is imperative that the Deepwater assets meet the needs of the Coast Guard in this changing environment.  It is equally important that American tax dollars are well spent.

            The recent release of two reports by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS IG) on the National Security Cutter (NSC) and the 123 foot patrol boats, and a major study by the Defense Acquisition University raise concerns about the Deepwater program and the manner in which the Deepwater contract has been managed by the Coast Guard.  

             As the Committee with oversight responsibility for the Coast Guard, we have an integral role to play to ensure that the Coast Guard obtains the tools it needs and that any problems with this major project are appropriately addressed.  Admiral Allen knows that this Committee has confidence in his extraordinary leadership and proven record and we are committed to working with him to solve this problem.  

            I thank all of the witnesses for appearing before us today and look forward to their testimony.