Members press Coast Guard on aviation shortfalls, border assignments and payroll cyber incident
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Summary
Committee members questioned Coast Guard leaders on aviation capability gaps, diversion of C-130s to southern border migrant operations, uncertain reimbursement for transport costs, and a cyber incident that briefly delayed pay for about 1,000 personnel.
House members pressed Coast Guard witnesses about the service's aviation recapitalization, recent operational use of HC‑130s for border transport and a payroll cyber incident that delayed pay for roughly 1,000 personnel.
Representative Larson raised concerns that "recent executive orders have diverted coast guard personnel and C‑130s to the southern border to relocate migrants from California to Texas and move people in cargo to Guantanamo Bay." Vice Admiral Tom Allen acknowledged use of HC‑130s in support of other DHS requirements and said the department is monitoring costs. "C‑130s are more expensive than commercial," he said, and added he was not aware that those flight costs would be reimbursed.
Members and witnesses described program shortfalls: the HC‑130J program of record calls for 22 frames but funding left the program at 19, Allen said, even though the service recently took delivery of its 18th HC‑130J two months early. Allen also said the Coast Guard is phasing out C‑27s and that the service reduced overall MH‑60 fleet numbers and shortened MH‑60 life‑expectancy estimates, creating capability gaps.
Representative Carbajal and other members described the payroll cyber incident and its human effects. Allen said he was among those who experienced a delayed paycheck and that the service "locked down the system" when the issue was noticed and paid nearly all affected personnel by the next day. He said additional cybersecurity safeguards for the payroll system would be in place by March 14 and that broader cyber vulnerabilities remain a priority.
Members asked how aviation shortfalls affect disaster response and search‑and‑rescue missions; Allen noted the HC‑130 is the Department of Homeland Security's only heavy‑lift aircraft and described the fleet as critical for heavy lift and humanitarian response. GAO witnesses and members cautioned that ongoing retirements and stalled procurement without replacement funding will widen capability gaps.
No formal actions were taken at the hearing; members requested follow‑up briefings and cost information on border flight reimbursements.