USCG takes delivery of 19th FRC

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has taken the delivery of its 19th fast response cutter (FRC), USCGC Rollin Fritch, in Key West, Florida, it was announced in late August. The FRC will be based in Cape May, New Jersey.

The FRCs are 154ft long and are replacing the service’s 110ft Island-class patrol boats. The missions of the cutters include search and rescue; law enforcement; defence readiness; and ports, waterways, and coastal security. They have a top speed of over 28kts and endurance of five days.

The FRCs feature advanced computers, communications, control, command, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; ability to launch and recover standardised cutter boats from astern or via side davits; and improved habitability and sea-keeping.

The USCG has ordered a total of 38 FRCs. Of these, 17 are already in service: five in San Juan, six in Miami and six in Key West. The 18th FRC is scheduled for commissioning in August. The FRC is operationally complemented by the national security cutter that operates in the open ocean. The future offshore patrol cutter will bridge the capabilities of these two cutters.