USCG commissions 18th FRC
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has commissioned its 18th fast response cutter (FRC), USCGC Joseph Tezanos, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, it was announced on 26 August. It is the sixth cutter stationed in San Juan.
There are already 17 in service: five in San Juan, six in Miami and six in Key West. The USCG is acquiring upto 58 FRCs to conduct critical missions and patrol the near-offshore environment. The missions include national defence; fishery patrols; ports, waterways, and coastal security; drug and migrant interdiction; and search and rescue. It has so far ordered 38 cutters.
These vessels are replacing Island-class patrol boats and feature new command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; improved habitability and sea-keeping; and standardised cutter boat deployment from astern or via side davits.
The commission of the next 154ft FRC, which will be stationed in Cape May, New Jersey, is planned for November 2016.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
