The USCG’s National Security Cutters

Sea trials for 3rd cutter successful; USCGC Stratton handover; 4th begun, but program will have a gap; Contract for 5th ship. (Sept 9/11)

The US Coast Guard’s massive $25 billion Deepwater meta-program (really Deepwater-II given post-9/11 changes) has endured more than its share of ups and downs. Nevertheless, Congressional support remains strong, and efforts are being made to restructure the program and get it back on track. “Voted Off the Island: The USCG’s Deepwater FRC Program” offered an in-depth look into the difficulties faced by the USCG’s Island Class cutter modification program, and by the Deepwater Fast Response Cutter that was supposed to replace it. “US Coast Guard’s Deepwater Effort Hits More Rough Sailing” covered the program’s turbulence and restructuring more generally.

The Legend Class National Security Cutters are the largest ships in the Deepwater program, and represent the program’s flagship in more ways than one. The 418 foot, 4,400 ton ships will be frigate-sized vessels with a 21 foot draughts¹, and are rather larger than the 379 foot, 3,250 ton Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutters (HECs) they will replace. Controversies regarding durability and potential hull fatigue, as well as significant cost overruns, have shadowed the new cutter’s construction. Nevertheless, the program appears to be moving forward. This DID FOCUS Article covers the Legend Class cutters’ specifications, program history, and key events…

• Quick Background: The Deepwater Program
• The Legend Class National Security Cutters
• Legend Class Program: Contracts & Key Events [updated]
• Appendix A: The Pitfalls of Being a Legend – NSC Issues & Action
• Appendix B: Additional Readings

Displaying 255 of 8,820 words (about 23 pages)

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