USCG receives 24th fast response cutter from Bollinger Shipyards

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has received the 24^th Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC), the future USCGC Oliver Berry, from Bollinger Shipyards.

The patrol craft is equipped with an advanced art command, control, communications and computer technology.

Built based on Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708 design, the 154ft-long USCGC Oliver Berry has a stern launch system for its 26ft cutter boat and a flank speed of 28k.

Bollinger president and CEO Ben Bordelon said: “The FRC programme is a model programme for government acquisition and has surpassed all historical quality benchmarks for vessels of this type and complexity. The results are the delivery of truly extraordinary Coast Guard cutters that will serve our Nation for decades to come.

“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 nation’s security. We are looking forward to hearing of the heroic exploits of the USCGC Oliver Berry as it joins the Coast Guard’s operational fleet.”

The new vessel has been named in honour of Oliver Berry, who was a distinguished expert mechanic on CG aircraft and lead instructor at the first US military helicopter training unit established in 1946.

USCGC Oliver Berry will be the first to be stationed at USCG District 14 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The USCG’s previous cutters have been stationed in Florida, San Juan, PR, Cape May, New Jersey and Ketchikan, Alaska.

The FRCs, which are currently in operational service, have seized multiple tonnes of narcotics, interdicted thousands of illegal aliens and saved many lives, according to the statement.

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Image: USCGC Oliver Berry. Photo: courtesy of Bollinger Shipyards LLC.