Work begins on 7th NSC

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding has officially started fabrication on the U.S. Coast Guard's seventh National Security Cutter, Kimball (WMSL 756). Designed to replace the 378-foot Hamilton-class High-Endurance Cutters, Ingalls has delivered the first four ships in the class and is currently building three more NSCs, with advance procurement funding already secured for an eighth ship. The NSCs are 418 feet long with a 54-foot beam, displacing 4,500 tons with a full load. They have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 120. (Source: Huntington Ingalls Industries, 01/20/15)