220822-A-KS490-1178 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Aug. 22, 2022) From the left, U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144), USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) and USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) transit the Strait of Hormuz, Aug. 22. The cutters are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Noah Martin)
Below is a Coast Guard News Release.
Coast Guard Exercises Contract Option for 10 Additional Fast Response Cutters
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard has exercised a contract option with Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, Louisiana, to fund initial construction on 10 additional Fast Response Cutters (FRCs), Tuesday. The $507 million option supports ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet and expand the Coast Guard’s global maritime mission.
The action made possible by the passage of Public Law 119-21, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, increases the total number of FRCs ordered under the current agreement from 67 to 77. Supported by historic investments, this legislation provides nearly $25 billion – the largest single funding commitment in Coast Guard history – including $1 billion dollars for additional FRCs. The first FRC funded through this option is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2028.
“As the first Coast Guard contracting action to execute over $100 million in reconciliation funds and the first reconciliation-funded action executed by a cutter program, this is a historic accomplishment for the Service,” said Rear Adm. Mike Campbell, the Coast Guard’s Director of Systems Integration and Chief Acquisition Officer. “Since its introduction to the fleet in 2012 as the successor to the 110-foot Island class patrol boat, the Fast Response Cutter has consistently proven its capabilities, adaptability and effectiveness in a wide range of maritime environments and Coast Guard missions.”
Sentinel-class FRCs are critical assets in the Coast Guard’s mission to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches. To date, 59 of these cutters are in service, replacing the aging fleet of 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. 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. Expanding the FRC fleet continues the Coast Guard’s modernization through Force Design 2028, an initiative introduced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force.
The FRC fleet will complement the capabilities of the service’s national security cutters (NSCs), offshore patrol cutters (OPCs) and polar security cutters (PSCs) as an essential element of the Nation’s layered maritime security strategy.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
A FRC Improvement Program should be instituted if it does not already exist. Some problems with the FRC have already begun to reveal themselves in propulsion and other systems. The platforms need to be up-gunned, and made a drone launch platform. This should be an investment target for the USCG.
That and consider the next evolution of the ship if we are just going to keep buying to keep the production line open. Either be ready for 87′ replacement or look for a slightly more flexible ship, ideally from the Damen line up.
The ones in Bahrain now have air search radars and (I’ve been told) a 30mm to counter drones.
The first two are already more than 12 years old.
They have been fitting them extra birthing. They need their endurance improved and they have been doing that over time.
I would really like to see them equipped with laser designator and APKWS. The laser designator would not only support the APKWS, it would also allow the little ships to identify a target to an aircraft.
All excellent proposals. Didn’t see any mention of the propulsion improvements.
Others better prepared than I to do that.
Probably do need at least a rebuild on the engines but outside my wheelhouse.