HII begins construction on USCG’s sixth Legend-class cutter

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has begun fabrication on sixth Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC), Munro (WMSL 755) for the US Coast Guard (USCG).

Ingalls NSC programme manager Jim French said the company has already cut and processed more than 400 tons of steel for NSC 6.

"We are seeing improved efficiencies across the board in National Security Cutter construction as this program matures and we leverage lessons learned from one ship to the next," French added.

The USCG is currently operating three cutters while the other three are under construction with the company.

Capable of cruising at a maximum speed of 28k, the 418ft-long NSCs have a displacement capacity of 4,500t when fully loaded, possess a range of 12,000m, endure for 60 days and accommodate a crew of 110.

Designed to enhance USCG’s operational readiness, capacity and effectiveness to perform maritime security missions, the Legend-class NSCs have a flight deck to carry a range of manned and unmanned rotary-wing aircraft as well as an aft launch and recovery area to carry two rigid hull inflatable boats.

The NSCs will be used to support missions for maritime homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defence missions.

HII has launched the fourth Legend-class NSC Hamilton (WMSL 753) in August 2013 while James (WMSL 754), the fifth Legend-class vessel, is due to be launched in the spring of 2014.

Image: US Coast Guard’s fourth NSC, Hamilton during its launch ceremony. Photo: Photo by Steve Blount.