Bollinger Shipyards has successfully launched the first-in-class US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC), 'Bernard C Webber' from its Lockport facility.
The Sentinel-class cutter is 47 metres long and is capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots. The vessels will be armed with one stabilised remotely-operated 25mm chain gun and four crew-served .50-caliber machine guns. The cutters will be able to operate independently for five days at sea, accommodating a crew of 23 members.
A command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) system will be fully interoperable with other US Coast Guard assets as well as those of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. The cutters will also feature a 40-knot rigid inflatable boat that can be rapidly deployed using a stern launching system that was first presented to the coast guard by Bollinger aboard the Marine Protector-class cutters.
The Sentinel FRC design is based on the Damen Stan Patrol 4708 patrol boat, and will be able to conduct missions such as ports, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national-defence operations.
The 'Bernard C Webber' will be homeported in Miami, Florida, supporting law enforcement and national security missions throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.