Questions raised for Coast Guard plan to reduce helicopter fleet [Video]

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard needs to do a better job of preparing for a downsizing of its helicopter fleet, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

The plan is to drop down from 146 to 127 short-range and medium-range helos, as part of a $105.6 billion modernization effort.

Specifically, the plan would eliminate the short-range Airbus Helicopters MH-65D/E Dolphin search and rescue helicopters, 98 of which are currently in service. Instead, the USCG would transition to an all-medium-range fleet, adding aircraft in that category. The hybrid service – which performs military and law enforcement missions – presently operates 48 Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawks as its medium-range search and rescue platform.

However, auditors at the GAO warned that the USCG has yet to determine if the transition will result in the type and quantity of helicopters needed to …