Barrett Joins Michigan Delegation in Bipartisan Effort to Bring Coast Guard Drone Testing to Michigan

July 31, 2026
Press Release

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined colleagues from Michigan in the U.S. House and Senate in a bipartisan effort to bring Coast Guard drone testing to northern Michigan. Michigan’s decades-long manufacturing legacy has made it a national leader in autonomous systems, with the expertise, strategic location, and partnerships to support Coast Guard testing missions. 

Establishing Northern Michigan as a designated site for Coast Guard drone testing would: 

  • Build on the region's growing leadership in autonomous technology. 
  • Create new opportunities for research and workforce development. 
  • Ensure the Coast Guard can test next-generation technologies in real-world Great Lakes conditions.  
  • Help the Coast Guard save lives, respond to disasters faster, improve maritime safety and security, inspect critical infrastructure, and monitor the environment. 
  • Strengthen search-and-rescue operations—all while reducing costs and keeping people out of harm's way. 

The letter was also signed by Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) along with Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01), John Moolenar (MI-02), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Haley Stevens (MI-11).

“Earlier this year, the Administration released its Maritime Action Plan: Restoring America's Maritime Dominance, directing the Coast Guard to make one or more such designations, including in the Great Lakes,” said the lawmakers. “Northern Michigan is an ideal location for this designation given that Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City already possesses the operational expertise, strategic location, and public-private partnerships needed to become the Coast Guard’s premier site for testing autonomous maritime technologies.”

“Serving all five Great Lakes, Air Station Traverse City is uniquely positioned to support Coast Guard missions ranging from search and rescue to homeland security and disaster response,” continued the lawmakers. “Combined with uncongested airspace, significant capacity for expansion, and a community that embraces Coast Guard families and operations, it provides an exceptional platform for continued investment and innovation.” 

Click here to read the full letter.