Improving Precommissioning Assignments and Readiness on the U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter

Abstract

As the first of 25 offshore patrol cutters (OPCs) nears delivery, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is focusing greater attention on the staffing needs of these ships, particularly during the precommissioning period. USCG leadership believes that crew satisfaction with these assignments is low and that this has implications for force readiness. In addition, the USCG has limited return on its training investment if crew members leave the service or return to shore duty soon after their precommissioning assignments. Thus, increasing institutional knowledge is also a priority.