Bollinger delivers 31st FRC

LOCKPORT, La. – Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards delivered the 31st Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the Coast Guard on Oct. 25 in Key West, Florida. The 154 foot Sentinel-class patrol boat has a flank speed over 28 knots, state of the art command, control, communications and computer technology, and a stern launch system for the vessel’s 26-foot Over-the-Horizon IV cutter boat. The vessel’s commissioning will be in March 2019 at its future homeport in San Pedro, Calif. “We are extremely proud that the Fast Response Cutters built by Louisiana craftsmen here at Bollinger Shipyards are having such a major impact on our country’s safety and security,” said Bollinger President/CEO Ben Bordelon. (Source: Bollinger Shipyards 10/26/18) OTH-IV is interoperable with National Security Cutters and FRCs. OTH-IV is longer than its predecessor and features improved endurance, upgraded electronics, enhanced shock mitigation and a bimini top that provides sun protection for the crew. On Oct. 8, the CG awarded Huntington Ingalls-Pascagoula, Miss., with a $97M contract to procure materials for the 11th National Security Cutter. HII-Ingalls President Brian Cuccias says the contract will streamline the production of NSC components and support the company’s 422 suppliers in 40 states. HII-Pascagoula’s unit has provided seven of the CG’s flagship NSCs slated to replace the service branch’s 12 Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters.