We have probably hundreds of Navy ships in "mothballs", why can't we modify them and use them?
We are always going back and reinventing the wheel..
@EdinVA Ships that are put into mothballs are generally ships who are so outdated and have hulls so flexed and worn that it is cheaper and safer to build new than it is to upgrade and repair them.
Hulls flex,and "line ships" aren't re-enforced up at the bow like ice breakers are,which are designed and built specifically to break ice.
Plus they are smaller than most Naval ships and cheaper to operate. Not to mention the cost of recruiting,training,and retaining USCG personnel. Especially when you consider the service life of a new "purpose-built hull" against the cost of maintaining an older vessel that was worn out when you dragged it out of mothballs.
Think of it like the cost of building a new house from scratch,or remodeling and upgrading a old house that needs pretty much everything.