Adm. Karl Schultz, commander of U.S. Coast Guard‘s Atlantic area, has said the service will extend the service life of its aging MH-65 Dolphin aircraft fleet due to budget constraints, USNI News reported Monday.
Schultz explained at the 2019 Military Reporters and Editors conference that the Coast Guard will continue operating the Dolphins until 2030.
He added that the service will also continue using its legacy MH-60 Jayhawks to sustain its inventory of short-range search and rescue helicopters while it awaits more funding.
The Coast Guard is still waiting for an approved budget, which will be included in the Department of Homeland Security’s appropriations bill.
The U.S. armed forces branch requested $11.65B in funding for procurement, operations and personnel, among other things.
Schultz said he expects the Coast Guard to receive $2B to purchase new systems or maintain existing assets.