|
The latest aircraft delivered on-time and on-budget,
will join a fleet of Ocean Sentries performing in a range of different
roles from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Mass., Mobile, Ala.,
and Miami. With the ability to remain airborne for more than ten hours,
the Ocean Sentry is performing a wide range of maritime patrol missions
for the Coast Guard, including drug and migrant interdiction, disaster
response, and search and rescue.
“In today’s tight budget environment, the U.S. Coast Guard
needs programs that deliver what’s been promised,” said
Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO.
“EADS North America and Airbus Military are proud to be working
with the USCG to field this capability consistently on schedule and
on cost, and will continue to support this mission.”
The United States Coast Guard operates fourteen HC-144A Ocean Sentry
Maritime Patrol Aircraft and has three additional planes on order scheduled
for delivery in 2013 and 2014. The Coast Guard plans for a fleet of
36 Ocean Sentries. The HC-144A achieved initial operational capability
with the Coast Guard in 2008.
|
