US Coast Guard receives 18th HC-144A Ocean Sentry
The 18th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) has been delivered to the US Coast Guard by Airbus Defense and Space (D&S), the company announced on 7 October.
The aircraft will join a fleet of Ocean Sentries operating from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Mobile, Alabama, Miami, Florida; and Corpus Christi, Texas, which retired its HU-25 Guardian MPA aircraft in favour of the HC-144 in September.
Mike Cosentino, president, Airbus D&S, said: ‘Airbus D&S is dedicated to supporting the US Coast Guard’s HC-144A fleet and will provide technical engineering services and spare parts for decades to come. The ease of maintenance and low operating costs have allowed the coast guard to achieve exceptional operational effectiveness and reliability with the HC-144A.
The Ocean Sentry is based on the Airbus D&S CN235 tactical airlifter. The coast guard operates the aircraft in a broad range of maritime patrol missions, including search and rescue, homeland security and disaster response.
The US Coast Guard’s Ocean Sentry fleet recently reached 50,000 flight hours.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge]()
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.
-
![Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?]()
Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?
Spain’s naval modernisation drive is moving from concept to contracts, with RfIs and RfPs expected before the end of the decade, despite second-batch frigate and submarine numbers remaining undecided.
-
![Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment]()
Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment
The country's long-term growth plan to overhaul its fleets well into the 2030s could open the door to an array of opportunities for suppliers.
-
![FNSS looks to put uncrewed vehicles at the front of amphibious assaults]()
FNSS looks to put uncrewed vehicles at the front of amphibious assaults
The new platform is designed to put reconnaissance, obstacle clearance and fire support ahead of the crewed force in a contested landing.
