MarineLog is reporting the purchase of five new patrol boats, three 61 foot and two 70 foot, for the NYPD. They are also specially adapted for diver support. Details are provided for the 61 foot boats which are capable of 35 knots.
This is a Coast Guard news release quoted in its entirety.
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| Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. Photo courtesy Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. |
ALAMEDA – Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche.
Obendorf’s family was by his side when he passed away in Swedish Hospital following surgery.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Petty Officer Obendorf’s family and his shipmates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche during this difficult time,” said Vice Adm. Paul Zukunft, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
At the time of his injury, Waesche personnel were conducting small boat operations to assist the disabled fishing vessel Alaska Mist with 22 mariners aboard. During the first transfer of passengers, Obendorf was injured while recovering the small boat. A Coast Guard helicopter crew transported him to Cold Bay for a commercial medevac to Anchorage and further medical care. Obendorf’s family arrived in Anchorage shortly thereafter. He was then transferred to Swedish Hospital Dec. 6 for continued medical care.
“Petty Officer Obendorf’s selfless actions directly contributed to rescuing five mariners in distress. His willingness to assist others, even amidst the dangerous environment of the Bering Sea, truly embodies the Coast Guard’s core values,” said Waesche’s commanding officer, Capt. John McKinley. “Travis will be sadly missed.”
The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
For information about the Alaska Mist search and rescue case, please see http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1962946/.
But really, I should have consulted my Combat Fleets of the World, because the Indian Coast Guard already had another 26 similar vessels:
5 Rani Abbakka Class, 51.1 meters, 34 knots
7 Sarojini Naidu Class, 48.14 meters, 35 knots
8 Priyadarshini Class, 46 meters, 24 knots
6 Tara Bai Class, 44.9 meter, 26 knots.
All are lighter than the Webber Class. All entered service since 1987 and all but seven are newer than our newest 110 (34 meter, 29.5 knots).
There has been a report that the US will be providing assistance in the form of maritime enforcement assets to some ASEAN nations, notably those in conflict with China.
“On his first visit to Vietnam as America’s top diplomat, Kerry pledged an additional $32.5 million for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to protect their territorial waters and navigational freedom in the South China Sea, where four states have competing claims with China. Included in the new aid is up to $18 million for Vietnam alone that will include five fast patrol-boats for its Coast Guard. With the new contribution, U.S. maritime security assistance to the region will exceed $156 million over the next two years, he said.”
U.S. Coast Guard photo
The Acquisition Directorate’s Blog is reporting that the Coast Guard is ordering four Long Range Interceptors. These are 11 meter boats specifically for operation from the stern ramp of Bertholf Class National Security Cutters. This is a second generation boat replacing the Coast Guard’s first effort.
“The LRI-II is 35 feet long with a range of over 220 nautical miles and capable of achieving speeds in excess of 38 knots. The stern-launched LRI-II’s high speed and extended range significantly enhances its host cutter’s ability to execute missions while underway, particularly in migrant interdiction and law enforcement operations where teams need to be put on scene quickly. Its ability to extend the reach of its host cutter is also critical to search and rescue operations, enabling NSC cutter crews to patrol larger search areas. The LRI-II can carry up to 15 passengers, including crew, and safely operate in seas up to 13 feet.”
WiredDotCom’s Dangerroom has got an interesting piece on a new piece of equipment that can launch a large number of different types of weapons and decoys.
It was tested using the Javelin missile, but among other things, it looks like it could probably handle Brimstone/SeaSpear or the 120 mm mortar which should soon have guidance by either laser guidance or GPS against fixed targets.
US Coast Guard photoThe Coast Guard has four 52 foot motor life boats, all built in the 1960s, all in the Thirteenth District:
Victory -Station Yaquina Bay, Newport, Ore.
Invincible II -Station Grays Harbor, Westport, Wash.
Triumph II -Station Cape Disappointment, Ilwaco, Wash.
Intrepid –Station Coos Bay, Charleston, Ore.
The Coast Guard’s information sheet regarding this class is available here (pdf). There is also a short Wikipedia entry here.
These boats were brought to my attention by a reader who felt they needed replacement and further suggested that a replacement might also be useful for seasonal work in the Arctic.
I have to assume they have some unique capabilities, for these fifty year old boats to have been retained when first 44s and then 47 foot MLBs might have replaced them. At 32 tons they are considerably bigger than the 20 ton 47 footers, and they have considerably more range. It also appears they have more comfortable accommodations for extended missions.
The reader alluded to, recommended a C. Raymond Hunt designed, 61 foot 43 ton pilot/rescue boat, built by Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding. Somerset, Mass, for service in Bermuda.
Earlier we discussed the Netherlands’ new 32.5 ton design that might also be an appropriate replacement. There is also more here.
At any rate it would be a small class, probably less than ten, but we would not necessarily have to start from scratch in seeking a replacement for these now very old, but apparently uniquely useful rescue vessels.
Just a quick note to say the CG has redesigned its retiree website. You can find it here:
Once again we are at the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I am repeating my previous posts, but again I will recommend the Coast Guard Historian’s very extensive treatment of the Coast Guard’s role available here.
gCapatin has an amusing post about traditional toasts that meanders to include some songs, but definitely worth the read.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 