Napolitano Approves Transfer of C-27J Aircraft to the Coast Guard

SamAca10

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Yay! 14 new, non-CASA aircraft!

U.S. Senator Mark Begich was pleased to learn that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) heeded his request to transfer 14 C-271 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in order to maintain mission readiness while achieving up to $800 million in savings that could be used to invest in Arctic communications infrastructure, deep water ports, or a new polar ice breaker.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano in May, Sen. Begich noted that if a minimum of 14 aircraft are transferred, the Coast Guard will be able to avoid up to $800 million in total ownership costs for the planned C-144 and C-130J aircraft. The C-27’s would replace the C-144s and C-130Js in the service’s recapitalization efforts.

“This is another example that if we are willing to do the work, we can find responsible and creative ways to reduce federal spending,” said Sen. Begich. “The C-27J’s are well suited to Coast Guard missions and will enable us to maintain our current capabilities while saving hundreds of millions in extra training, maintenance and operations.”

The C-27Js are compatible with Coast Guard missions such as search and rescue, logistical support and maintaining maritime domain awareness. The C-27J’s share the same engines and avionics with the C-130J aircraft and could be easily integrated into the Coast Guard’s existing fleet. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel was notified of the transfer request approval in June.

“The $800 million in savings the Coast Guard would achieve is significant,” said Sen. Begich. “The Arctic is emerging as the new frontier for commerce and transportation and the United States needs to be a leader, not an observer. I recommend that the Department of Homeland Security apply the savings to investment in Arctic infrastructure like deep water ports or safety and navigation vessels like a polar icebreaker.”

http://sewardcitynews.com/2013/06/napolitano-approves-transfer-of-c-27j-aircraft-to-coast-guard/
 
Would love to know what the Coast Guard thinks about ANOTHER airframe.

Different parts. Different requirements.

The Coast Guard didn't even want the C-130Js at first, but they were provided in legislation.
 
Would love to know what the Coast Guard thinks about ANOTHER airframe.

Different parts. Different requirements.

The Coast Guard didn't even want the C-130Js at first, but they were provided in legislation.

It's actually a good move because the Coast Guard is going to cancel it's order on the rest of the CASA's for the more capable C-27.

In terms of maintenance and logistics, it's a really good move because C-27's use the same engines and avionics as the J model Herc. Less work for the guys on the ground who take care of the birds as they can easily transfer their skill set from one fixed wing frame to the other.

It's a huge plus for the cutter fleet as well because we save 800 million dollars in aircraft acquisitions and can throw all that money towards another ice breaker or NSC :thumb:
 
Does the Air Force even have 14 of these?

Air National Guard does. I am pretty sure more than 14 total. My state Air National Guard has 4 or 6 on hand.

When the big Air Force took away some C-130s from Air National Guard, they gave C 27s to Air National Guard as replacements. When the budget got tighter, Air Force decided to get rid of C 27s.
 
The C27 is one more example of how the Air Force deals with the Army's air support requirements. The Army were the original requestors for the C27J to replace Sherpa's, C-12's and Some CH 47 Missions. The original 13 of these went to the Army/ Army National Guard. The AF then convinced Congress that it would support the Army's needs if they were transferred to the AF control. The Air force started to bring them in to the Air NG- which likes the plane a lot. But as soon the active duty AF got pinched for cash- the Army Support agreement got blown away and despite the AirNG - the C27J was declared redundant. I think that the AF has 21 total planes- my understanding is that the USCG is getting a good airframe

http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/05/16/c-27j-reemerges-despite-afs-boneyard-plans/
 
I'm sure the CG airdales will appreciate another tire on the nose gear! :biggrin:
 
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