Click on the graphic to enlarge
The Acquisitions Directorate has a story on the commissioning of the 17th Webber class WPC, USCGC Donald Horsley (WPC-1117).
Included in the post was the graphic above, which gives us an indication of where future cutters will be homeported:
- Ketchikan, AK
- San Pedro, CA
- Pascagoula, MS
- Atlantic Beach, NC
- Cape May, NJ
One more WPC is expected to go to San Juan, so in about six months we should see a Webber class go to Ketchikan. Certainly its improved sea keeping compared to the 110s will be appreciated.
This is not, I’m sure, a complete list of future homeports, given that we expect 41 more of this class. I’m not privy to the home porting plan or how many will be in each port, but this looks like it will cover at least the next 18 months. It may cover a much longer period if more than one Webber class will be assigned to some of these ports, and that seems likely.
I would note that these homeports look good from a Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security perspective. Ketchikan and the inland passage has a lot of cruise ship traffic. San Pedro is near the huge Los Angeles port complex and the strategic ports of Long Beach and Port Hueneme. Pascagoula based ships potentially protect the ports of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico including the eastern approaches to the Mississippi River port complex and the strategic port of Gulf Port, MS. Atlantic Beach, NC is close to Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras, but it is also close to the strategic ports of Morehead City, Sunny Point, and Wilmington. WPCs in Cape May, NJ could provide protection for Delaware Bay, including the strategic port of Philadelphia.
If any of our readers has access to the homeporting plan, and it is public knowledge, I would appreciate the information.
Bollinger delivers Webber #39, to be homeported in Guam. https://www.marinelog.com/shipyards/shipyard-news/bollinger-delivers-first-of-three-frcs-to-be-homeported-in-guam/
Webber Class #37 is commissioned
News Release
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Office: (281) 464-4810
After Hours: (832) 293-1293
PA Detachment Texas online newsroom
Coast Guard commissions Cutter Edgar Culbertson in Galveston, Texas
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard held a commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson, the service’s 37th fast response cutter, at Sector Field Office Galveston, Texas, Friday.
Rear Adm. John Nadeau, Eighth Coast Guard District commander, presided over the ceremony, along with Lt. Katie Shveda, Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson commanding officer.
Edgar Culbertson, the cutter’s namesake, was a Coast Guard petty officer 1st class and Coast Guard Medal recipient who died April 30, 1967, while attempting the rescue of three brothers during a storm in Duluth, Minnesota.
Culbertson and two other Coast Guardsmen, Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Callahan and Fireman Ronald Prei, volunteered to attempt the rescue. After arriving at the pier they tethered themselves together and searched the pier with lanterns in an attempt to locate the missing Halverson brothers. As the heroes searched for the boys, a large wave crashed over the wall, knocking Culberston over the side.
Culbertson was a 31-year-old native of Ferndale, Michigan, a veteran of the Korean War and had served in the Coast Guard since 1952.
The Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson’s patrol area will encompass 900 miles of coastline for the Coast Guard’s Eighth District, from Carrabelle, Florida, to Brownsville, Texas. Fast response cutters are named after Coast Guard enlisted heroes and will replace the service’s 110-foot patrol boats. These vessels feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment.
Photos here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2903f24
#38 commissioned.
News Release
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Office: (281) 464-4810
After Hours: (832) 293-1293
PA Detachment Texas online newsroom
Coast Guard commissions Cutter Harold Miller in Galveston, Texas
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard held a commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard Cutter Harold Miller, the service’s 38th fast response cutter, at Sector Field Office Galveston, Texas, Wednesday.
Rear Adm. John Nadeau, Eighth Coast Guard District commander, presided over the ceremony, along with Lt. Michael Salerno, Coast Guard Cutter Harold Miller’s commanding officer.
Harold Miller, the cutter’s namesake, was a Coast Guard boatswain’s mate 2nd class and a Silver Star recipient for his heroic actions that led to the victory at Tulagi Island during World War II.
On Aug. 7, 1942, while stationed aboard the U.S.S. McKean, Miller piloted the first wave of landing craft on Tulagi Island in the Pacific Theater against a Japanese force on Guadalcanal Island. Miller then made repeated trips in spite of heavy enemy fire to affect the landing of his embarked troops, equipment ammunition, and supplies.
The Coast Guard Cutter Harold Miller’s patrol area will encompass 900 miles of coastline for the Coast Guard’s Eighth District, from Carrabelle, Florida, to Brownsville, Texas. Fast response cutters are named after Coast Guard enlisted heroes and will replace the service’s 110-foot patrol boats. These vessels feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment.
This additional information was included in the CG-9 announcement.
“The Coast Guard has ordered 56 FRCs to date. Thirty-eight are in service: 12 in Florida; seven in Puerto Rico; four in California; three each in Hawaii, Texas and New Jersey; and two each in Alaska, Mississippi and North Carolina. Future FRC homeports include Santa Rita, Guam; Astoria, Oregon; and Kodiak, Seward and Sitka, Alaska.”
From CG-9, https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Newsroom/Latest-Acquisition-News/Article/2294845/coast-guard-accepts-40th-fast-response-cutter/
The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 40th fast response cutter (FRC), Oliver Henry, in Key West, Florida, July 30.
It will be the second of three planned FRCs stationed in Santa Rita, Guam. Stationing FRCs in Guam supports Operation Aiga, an effort to strengthen the community of island nations in Oceania. “By placing an ocean-going Coast Guard buoy tender and FRCs, we will promote ‘rules-based order,’ build capacity and affirm the United States’ positive and enduring role in the region,” said Adm. Karl Schultz, Coast Guard commandant.
Chief Warrant Officer Oliver T. Henry, the cutter’s namesake, was one of the first Black petty officers and machinist mates in the Coast Guard, achieving the rank and rating well before the full integration of the Armed Forces. Henry’s rise started while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Northland during World War II, when he transitioned from the wardroom, where he served as a steward, to the engine room as a motor machinist mate. He was also one of the service’s first minority warrant officers and served over 15 years of his 26-year career as a warrant or chief warrant officer.
The Sentinel-class FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. The cutters are designed for multiple missions, including search and rescue; national defense; ports, waterways and coastal security; drug and migrant interdiction; and fisheries patrols.
The Coast Guard has ordered 56 FRCs to date. Thirty-eight are in service: 12 in Florida; seven in Puerto Rico; four in California; three each in Hawaii, Texas and New Jersey; and two each in Alaska, Mississippi and North Carolina. Future FRC homeports include Astoria, Oregon; and Kodiak, Seward and Sitka, Alaska.
Solicitation for precomm crew for four Webber class going to PATFORSWA in Bahrain, CGC GLENN HARRIS (WPC 1144), CGC EMLEN TUNNELL (WPC 1145), CGC JOHN SCHEUERMAN (WPC 1146), CGC CLARENCE SUTHPIN (WPC 1147). The first two going to PATFORSWA are CHARLES MOULTHROPE (WPC 1141) and ROBERT GOLDMAN (WPC 1142). #41 and 42 should be commissioned this year or early 2021. First two will probably will arrive in Bahrain summer 2021.
united states coast guard
30 JUL 20
ALCGENL 148/20
SUBJ: AY21 PATROL FORCES SOUTHWEST ASIA (PATFORSWA) 154′ WPC/FRC AFLOAT
SOLICITATION
A. ALCGENL 147-20 AY21 PATROL FORCES SOUTHWEST ASIA (PATFORSWA) 110′ WPB
AFLOAT SOLICITATION
B. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8A
C. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Competency Qualification Manual,
COMDTINST M16247.3F
D. Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual,
COMDTINST M1020.8H
E. Coast Guard Water Survival Training Program Manual,
COMDTINST M16240.4C
F. Screening for Overseas Duty, PSCINST 1300
1. This message solicits for 154′ WPC or Fast Response Cutter (FRC) afloat
assignments to commission four new 154′ WPCs at Patrol Forces Southwest Asia
(PATFORSWA). These assignments are normally for 12 months however PSC-EPM-2
is seeking applicants for 18, 21, or 24 month PCS deployments to begin in the
Spring of 2021. Personnel applying for this opportunity should understand
that there is a significant portion of the deployment that will be spent
inside the CONUS at pre-delivery training, post-delivery availability, and
cutter work ups prior to deployment to Bahrain. Those selected for this
opportunity will be required to attend pre-deployment training (PDT), which
lasts approximately 5 weeks in addition to any required pipeline training.
Additional training includes 6 weeks of pre-delivery training at the
Bollinger Shipyard in Lockport, LA followed by extensive post-delivery
availability workups and installations which last from 8 to 12 weeks.
Actual report dates to pre-commissioning cutters are set by the PATFORSWA
Admin Officer and LANT-39. The following 154′ WPC cutters are available:
CGC GLENN HARRIS (WPC 1144)
CGC EMLEN TUNNELL (WPC 1145)
CGC JOHN SCHEUERMAN (WPC 1146)
CGC CLARENCE SUTHPIN (WPC 1147)
Following the completion of post delivery availability and workups, the
cutters will transit to Bahrain. All members interested in this
assignment opportunity should apply under the GLENN HARRIS department
ID (048788). Successful completion of this assignment will result in an
assignment priority one. Members that request consideration for
this assignment will also be considered for 110′ WPB assignments
advertised in Reference A. Subsequent tours for all follow-on crews will
revert back to 12 months as described for PATFORSWA afloat assignments
in Reference A.
2. This is a dependent restricted, non-isolated PCS assignment. For
additional information and benefits see our websites listed in
paragraph 8.
3. Assignment criteria: Applicants must be:
a. 18 years of age at deployment date
b. Tour complete in AY21 or AY22
c. Suitable for overseas assignment per References B and F
d. A United States citizen
e. Maintain or be eligible for a Secret clearance
f. Must meet obligated service requirements of 21, 24, or 27 months from
report date
g. Must have completed and passed task 1-01, Physical Fitness Standards
(PT Test), of Reference C, within the last 6 months
h. Must meet Coast Guard weight standards per Reference D
i. E-resume includes command endorsement for all positions. Additional
command endorsements are required for independent duty afloat (DC, IT,
OS) per Reference B if applicable
j. Possess a driver’s license valid through the entire tour of duty
k. Able to pass Water Survival Training (Note 1)
l. Prior to arrival at PDT, members should possess a basic and/or
practical rifle qualification on the M16 or M4 rifle within the previous
5 years. Previous qualification with a personal defense weapon (PDW) is
also highly encouraged but not required. (Note 2)
Note 1: All members will be required to take part in 3 days of
intensive pool training as part of the Water Survival Training
Program (WSTP) at PDT. Students will be required to take and pass
the PT test in the first week of PDT in order to participate in
WSTP. Upon successful completion of the PT test, students will be
required to meet all tasks outlined in the WSTP Manual per Reference
D. Students should be comfortable in uniform treading water,
swimming, and jumping off an elevated platform. Members are
strongly encouraged to review WSTP requirements per Reference E
prior to attending PDT.
Note 2: Weapons qualifications are required for all shoreside and
afloat assignments. All E-7 and below assignments are designated as
anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) watch standers.
4. Position information.
a. Boatswain’s Mate (BM): Members interested in applying for any
afloat assignments should apply to the following positions:
RATE/RANK POSN NUMBER NUMBER OF BILLETS
BMC 19381557 1
BM1 19381550 3
BM2 19381544 2
BM3 19381538 1
b. Culinary Specialist (CS): Members interested in applying for
afloat assignments should apply to the following position:
RATE/RANK POSN NUMBER
CS1 19381553
CS3 19381541
c. Damage Controlman (DC): Members interested in applying for
afloat assignments should apply to the following position:
RATE/RANK POSN NUMBER Notes
DC2 19381549 Independent Duty
d. Electrician’s Mate (EM): Members interested in afloat positions
should apply for the following position:
Rate/Rank POSN Number
EM1 19381554
EM3 19381539
d. Electronics Technician (ET): Members interested in applying for
afloat assignments should apply for the following position:
Rate/Rank POSN Number
ET2 19381546
ET3 19381537
e. Gunner’s Mate (GM): Members interested in applying for afloat
assignments should apply to the following position:
RATE/RANK POSN NUMBER
GM2 19381547
GM3 19381542
f. Information Specialist (IT): Members interested in applying for
afloat assignments should apply to the following position:
Rate/Rank POSN number Notes
IT2 19381543 Independent Duty
f. Machinery Technician (MK): Members interested in applying for
afloat assignments should apply to the following position:
Rate/Rank POSN Number
MKC 19381558
MK1 19381555
MK2 19381548
MK3 19381540
g. Operations Specialist (OS): Members interested in applying for
afloat assignments should apply to the following position:
Rate/Rank POSN number Notes
OS1 19381556 Independent Duty
5. Assignment Procedures: Members should complete Reference F
requirements for overseas assignment, complete a PT test and minimum
weapons qualification requirements, and submit a command endorsed e-resume
for PATFORSWA positions by 2 October 2020. Those who are tour complete in
AY21 or AY22 can apply and should list PATFORSWA positions only. If not
selected, members tour complete in AY21 should follow published AY21
shopping list deadline guidance or rating specific guidance for submitting
updated e-resumes. Members tour complete in AY21 will be given priority
for these assignments.
6. Applicants should be aware that documented rated experience and
qualifications may take precedence over assignment priority when making
these assignments. Those who meet PATFORSWA assignment criteria and are
not selected are encouraged to keep apprised of latest message traffic
for unexpected openings (follow-on ALCGENL). PSC-EPM-2 will notify
selected members or their commands on a case-by-case basis.
7. Command endorsement criteria: All PATFORSWA endorsements should
address the following:
a. Verify that member meets all assignment criteria in paragraph 3.
b. List member small arms qualifications and most recent certification
date. Again, verify that a passing basic and/or practical rifle
qualification on the M16 or M4 rifle has occurred within the previous
5 years along with passing of the physical fitness standards in the last
6 months. (Note 1)
c. Summarize previous law enforcement or AT/FP experience and
qualifications.
d. Backfill concerns: When addressing backfills for members not tour
complete in AY21, commands should keep in mind that receiving an
immediate backfill is not always possible. Backfill requests will factor
into the candidate selection process. Additional guidelines for command
endorsements can be found at our websites.
e. Due to current Restriction of Movement criteria, applicants should
understand they may be in country for 12 consecutive months. The member
comments shall include the following statement of acknowledgment:
“Member understands and acknowledges they may be in country for a
continuous 12 month period pending COVID travel restrictions.”
Note 1: For members whose weapons qualifications meet the minimum
criteria, but have lapsed, basic and practical qualification courses on
rifle (among other weapons) systems will be administered at PDT.
8. Training, Entitlements, FAQs: All personnel selected for this duty will
be required to complete PDT and applicable pipeline training. Details are
available on the EPM PATFORSWA and SMTC Portal Pages below. Members are
reminded that dependents can be relocated to a geographical area of choosing
for the duration of the tour and members that volunteer for 24 month tours
will be eligible for consecutive overseas tours benefits.
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/psc-epm/SitePages/PATFORSWA-MIPFTAG.aspx
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/smtc/SitePages/Home.aspx
9. For assignment questions, please contact the following Assignment
Officers (AO’s) by Rate:
BM: CWO2 Richard Seymour, Richard.L.Seymour@uscg.mil, 202-795-6614
CS (E6): CWO2 William Wall, William.T.Wall@uscg.mil, 202-795-6570
CS (E4): CSCS Christopher Smith, Christopher.D.Smith@uscg.mil, 202-795-6595
DC: CWO4 Travis Lovvorn, Travis.V.Lovvorn@uscg.mil, 202-795-6592
EM: CWO2 Bruce Reid, Samuel.B.Reid@uscg.mil, 202-795-6586
ET (E4-E6): CWO4 Giovanni Wade, Giovanni.P.Wade@uscg.mil, 202-795-6581
GM: CWO4 Christopher Box, Christopher.L.Box@uscg.mil, 202-795-6613
IT: CWO2 Peter Deacon, Peter.G.Deacon@uscg.mil, 202-795-6604
MK: CWO2 Aaron Boyette, Grant.A.Boyette@uscg.mil, 202-795-6602
OS (E6): CWO3 Keith Moore, Keith.D.Moore@uscg.mil, 202-795-6583
10. Command representatives may contact LT Rachel Kent,
Rachel.R.Kent@uscg.mil (202-795-6616).
11. Questions regarding the operational nature of this assignment or
PDT should contact SMTC, YNCM Jessica Schroeder at
Jessica.K.Schroeder@uscg.mil, or 910-440-6002.
12. Released by: CDR R. Deisher.
13. Internet release authorized.
With three Webber class in Galveston, it looks like they have upgraded the supporting infrastructure. Below is a press release.
News Release
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Office: 281-464-4810
After Hours: 832-293-1293
PA Detachment Texas online newsroom
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard held an establishment ceremony for Base Galveston in Galveston, Texas, Tuesday.
The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Melvin W. Bouboulis, Director of Operational Logistics.
During the ceremony, Sector Field Office (SFO) Galveston was disestablished and Base Galveston was established.
Established on December 16, 2005, SFO Galveston, renamed Base Galveston, provides mission support services to Coast Guard and other military commands throughout the Sector Houston-Galveston area.
Base Galveston’s comptroller, galley, facilities engineering, naval engineering, and personnel support departments directly support ten tenant commands on the base: Coast Guard Cutters Harold Miller, Daniel Tarr, Edgar Culbertson, Beluga, Clamp, Harry Claiborne, Hatchet, and Seahorse as well as Station Galveston and Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Galveston.
Base Galveston has over 100 active duty, reserve, and civilian employees providing support services to over 1,800 Coast Guard personnel throughout the region, including 10 cutters, five stations, and two ANT teams with 38 small boats. The base also hosts a Coast Guard Exchange, gym, armory with small arms firing range, a maintenance augmentation team, an industrial production facility, and ATON Buoy Yard Detachment. The Sector Education Services Officer, Worklife Staff, and Chaplain also provide support on the Base.
A live stream of the ceremony can be found at Sector Houston-Galveston’s Facebook page.
For more information follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Since three Webber class are going to Guam (in addition to the buoy tender that is there, this may be of interest. Marines are opening a new base for 5000 Marines. https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/marines-activate-camp-blaz-on-guam-the-corps-first-new-base-since-1952-1.647005?mc_cid=57567bf3d1&mc_eid=e51bf416d0&fbclid=IwAR2ww4749Q1oxI6wswHMpMnm2VRSvjkNjLW_tnOb078KoXfUNOd-60DxvYY#.X3XHgcDeokw.facebook
Pingback: “BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS DELIVERS 41st FAST RESPONSE CUTTER STRENGTHENING DEFENSE CAPABILITIES IN THE ARABIAN GULF” –Bollinger Press Release | Chuck Hill's CG Blog
A Bollinger news release on the delivery of FRC #42, bound for PATFORSWA. Notably despite pandemic and storms, she was delivered three weeks early.
————————————————————————————
BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS DELIVERS 42nd FAST RESPONSE CUTTER STRENGTHENING DEFENSE CAPABILITIES IN THE ARABIAN GULF
USCGC ROBERT GOLDMAN is second of six cutters destined for overseas operations in Manama, Bahrain
LOCKPORT, La., — December 21, 2020 – Bollinger Shipyards LLC (“Bollinger”) today delivered the USCGC ROBERT GOLDMAN to the U.S. Coast Guard in Key West, Florida. This is the 165th vessel Bollinger has delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard over a 35-year period and the 42nd Fast Response Cutter (“FRC”) delivered under the current program.
The USCGC ROBERT GOLDMAN is the second of six FRCs to be home-ported in Manama, Bahrain, which will replace the aging 110’ Island Class Patrol Boats, built by Bollinger Shipyards 30 years ago, supporting the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest overseas presence outside the United States.
“Bollinger is proud to continue enhancing and supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s operational presence and ensuring it remains the preferred partner around the world,” said Bollinger President & C.E.O. Ben Bordelon. “It is our top priority to ensure that the brave men and women of the Coast Guard stationed in PATFORSWA have the most state-of-the-art, advanced vessels as they work to build and maintain the necessary regional alliances to ensure maritime security in the region. Building ships for the Coast Guard provides critical assets to bolster our national security and advance America’s interests, both at home and abroad.”
At a PATFORSWA change of command ceremony earlier in the summer, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander Vice Adm. Steven D. Poulin emphasized the importance of the unit, saying, “During these historical times it is important, now more than ever, that we maintain maritime security operations throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. [PATFORSWA is] pushing forward into the unknown to protect American interests in the region.”
PATFORSWA is composed of six cutters, shoreside support personnel, and the Maritime Engagement Team. The unit’s mission is to train, organize, equip, support and deploy combat-ready Coast Guard Forces in support of U.S. Central Command and national security objectives. PATFORSWA works with Naval Forces Central Command in furthering their goals to conduct persistent maritime operations to forward U.S. interests, deter and counter disruptive countries, defeat violent extremism and strengthen partner nations’ maritime capabilities in order to promote a secure maritime environment.
Earlier this month, Bordelon authored an opinion piece on how an expanded U.S. Coast Guard presence around the globe can “help further the regional partnerships and alliances necessary to curb the creeping influence of America’s strategic competitors and adversaries.” Bordelon argues that the Coast Guard has the opportunity to establish itself as the preferred regional partner through its work with PATFORSWA, Operation Aiga and elsewhere. Bordelon concludes that “white hull diplomacy should be looked to more and more as a complementary arrow in the whole-of-government quiver.”
The majority of the USCGC ROBERT GOLDMAN build occurred despite the COVID-19 global pandemic and six named storms impacting the Gulf region, all of which affected Louisiana and two of which made landfall in the state as hurricanes, including Hurricane Laura – a Category 4 storm and the strongest to hit the state since the Great Storm of 1856. Bollinger undertook precautions to ensure the health and safety of employees and not only maintained its schedule, but delivered the vessel 3 weeks early.
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished himself or herself in the line of duty. Robert Goldman enlisted in the Coast Guard in October 1942 as a pharmacist’s mate. In 1944 he reported for duty aboard the Coast Guard-manned, 328-foot Landing Ship, Tank-66, taking part in a campaign to re-take the Philippines from the Japanese. On November 12, 1944 a Japanese kamikaze plane flew straight for the men gathered on the starboard side of the LST’s stern. Goldman witnessed the enemy fighter impact the deck and explode. Goldman’s back was on fire from the aviation fuel, his right leg received shrapnel from the crashing fighter, and he suffered severe shock from the sudden crash and resulting carnage. Disregarding his own injuries, Goldman courageously treated the wounded and dying. For his heroic deeds, Goldman received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.