HII launches fifth USCG National Security Cutter James

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding unit has launched the fifth US Coast Guard (USCG) National Security Cutter (NSC) James (WMSL 754), which would enhance the Coast Guard’s operational readiness, capacity and effectiveness.

The latest Legend-class NSC, expected to be delivered next year, is one of the three currently being built by Ingalls, with three of them already being delivered to the USCG.

Ingalls’ NSC programme manager Jim French said that the company has already delivered three ships, with a fourth one to deliver later this year.

"Our learning curve continues to improve in this program, and the hot production line certainly provides a foundation for this progress to continue," French added.

Designed to replace the 378-foot Hamilton-class High-Endurance Cutters, the 418ft long, 4,500t Legend-class NSCs boast a top speed of 28k, while offering a range of 12,000 miles and accommodating a crew of 110.

Complying with all the maritime security mission requirements, NSCs incorporate an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats in addition to a flight deck to house diverse manned and unmanned rotary wing aircraft.

Claimed to be the largest and most technologically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, the Legend-class NSCs can be deployed to carry out a range of missions including maritime homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defence operations.

Ingalls is planning to carry out sea trials of fourth NCS Hamilton (WMSL 753) this summer, further paving way for anticipated deliver later this year.

Construction on the sixth NSC, Munro (WMSL 755), started late last year and would be launched during the fourth quarter of 2015, while the seventh, Kimball (WMSL 756), is scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2018.

Image: James USCG National Security Cutter is expected to be delivered next year. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Young/HII.