US Coast Guard awards eighth NSC contract to Ingalls Shipbuilding

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has awarded a $76.5m contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division to procure long-lead materials for the eighth National Security Cutter (NSC), Midgett (WMSL 757).

The funding will be used to buy key materials required for the construction of Midgett, such as steel, the main propulsion systems, generators, electrical switchboards and major castings.

Ingalls National Security Cutter programme manager Jim French said that the long-lead material contracts enable shipbuilders to immediately start construction of the ship if and when that contract is awarded.

"The advance procurement helps us get the best cost possible for equipment and materials and keeps the industrial base production line flowing," French added.

Construction and delivery of Midgett would be carried out at Ingalls Shipbuilding’s Pascagoula facility.

Aimed at replacing the 378ft Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters, Ingalls has built and delivered first three NSCs, with the fourth Hamilton (WMSL 753) to undergo sea trials later this summer.

The fifth vessel James (WMSL 754) has been launched recently, with anticipated christening next month, and keel for the sixth NSC, Munro (WMSL 755) is scheduled to be laid later this year.

With a displacement capacity of 4,500t when fully loaded, the 418ft long vessels can accommodate 120 crew and cruise at a maximum speed of 28k, while offering a range of 12,000m, an endurance of 60 days.

Complying with all maritime security missions, the Legend-class NSC boasts an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats in addition to a flight deck to house a range of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircraft.

The vessel’s integrated technologies make it suitable for maritime homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defence missions.

Image: USCG’s National Security Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752). Photo: courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

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