We have waited a long time for the revised Deepwater plan and I look forward to discussing it with our esteemed witnesses.

The Deepwater program is integral to the evolution of the Coast Guard in our post 9-11 world. This revised plan is the first time we have been able to examine the Coast Guard’s vision for the future. Because of an aging fleet and expanded responsibilities, without the Deepwater acquisition, the Coast Guard will soon be constrained to meet its safety and security responsibilities.

There are a couple of key issues to consider. First, it is vital that we help the Coast Guard move forward with Deepwater in a timely manner.

Second, we need to know why the 20-year revised plan has a notable reduction in the number of key assets being requested. I am concerned that reducing the number of requested cutters in the face of increased need may lead to problems down the road as we rely more heavily on legacy assets.

I understand that many assets will have new communications and intelligence capabilities, which should act as “force multipliers.” However, even the best of such systems need a threshold level of physical presence to be effective.

Third, I am told that no simulation has yet been run using the precise mix of assets and capabilities actually provided in the revised plan. Thus, we do not know if the plan will meet the needs.

Fourth, I have concerns regarding the oversight and management of the Deepwater project. The only other major government program using a Lead System Integrator Approach, the Army’s Future Combat System, is being reevaluated due to concerns with oversight and conflicts of interest.

I look forward to hearing today about the Coast Guard’s efforts to deal with these issues.