US Coast Guard exerces option for two new Sentinel class fast response cutters.

According to a PR published by Bollinger Shipyards on May 13, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard has awarded Bollinger Shipyards two Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutters under a recent contract extension.
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Fast Response Cutter USCGC David Durren. (Picture source: Bollinger Shipyards)

This move increases the total Fast Response Cutters provided by Bollinger to 67 since the start of the program. To this point, 55 of these cutters have been commissioned into service by the Coast Guard. The construction of the two additional cutters will occur at Bollinger’s facility in Lockport, Louisiana.

Beyond the FRC, Bollinger engages in multiple other government shipbuilding initiatives, including the Polar Security Cutter and the Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship for the Coast Guard, as well as several U.S. Navy projects like the Auxiliary Personnel Lighter and Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vessels.

Additionally, Bollinger is constructing three Regional Class Research Vessels for the National Science Foundation through Oregon State University and contributes to the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine program in partnership with General Dynamics-Electric Boat.

About the program

Each FRC is 154 feet long, capable of reaching speeds over 28 knots, and equipped with a range of advanced features, including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems.

They also have enhanced seakeeping capabilities, improved habitability for mixed-gender crews, and can perform a variety of missions from drug and migrant interdiction to search and rescue operations.