Rear Adm. Jon Hickey, Deputy Commandant for Systems, Component Acquisition Executive and Chief Acquisition Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard, speaks during a keel laying authentication for the construction of the second-generation special-purpose craft — heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) boats, July 8, 2026, in Mount Vernon, Washington. These next generation boats will replace the 52-foot heavy weather boats that were in service from the 1950s until 2021 and are designed to perform a wide range of Coast Guard missions in extreme weather and challenging surf conditions that exceed the capabilities of other boats. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter)