USCG commissions Benjamin Bottoms FRC
The US Coast Guard (USCG) commissioned its 32nd Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC), Benjamin Bottoms, in San Pedro, California, on 1 May.
Benjamin Bottoms is the fourth FRC to be stationed in San Pedro.
The Sentinel-class FRCs feature advanced C4ISR equipment; over-the-horizon boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping.
The FRCs can be deployed for missions including drug and migrant interdictions; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; SAR; and national defence.
To date, the USCG has ordered 50 FRCs of which 32 are in service.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![New deal to make AUKUS cooperation easier]()
New deal to make AUKUS cooperation easier
The AUKUS agreement will support Australia’s purchase of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines under pillar one. Other pillars of the agreement cover high technology such as cyber, unmanned systems, AI, EW, undersea capabilities and information sharing between the three countries.
-
![Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts]()
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
