“USCG Report: Small Cutters Prove They Can Patrol a Big Ocean” –Marine Link

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Chuck Hill

Cutters Joseph Gerczak and Juniper refuel in Papeete, Tahiti, while underway during Operation Aiga, February 6, 2022. The two cutters were in the region combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other maritime threats on the high seas throughout the Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the USCGC Juniper)(cropped)

Marine Link has an interesting article that recounts the methods that allow the 154 foot Webber “Sentinel” class WPCs “Fast Response Cutters, FRCs”with a nominal endurance of only five days and a range of 2500 nautical miles at 14 knots to deploy well beyond that distance.

Issues that must be dealt with other than limited storage and fuel include lack of an independent duty corpsman and carbon build-up in the engines due to operating at lower than design RPM.

When we go to Tahiti or American Samoa, there’s nothing in between. We’ll usually travel with a ‘black hull’ buoy tender in case we need to take on fuel at sea. But we have to be very careful with our fuel, and how we run our engines, and balance the need to have enough provisions for the trip and arrive safety with at least 20 percent fuel on board with the need to get down there so we can get to work.”

Sea State can also make it difficult to do a Replenishment at Sea (RAS).

The article does not reflect the current number of FRCs planned–77 rather than the 64 indicated in the article. It appears likely that the number of FRCs in Guam will increase from three to six and that additional FRCs (probably three) will be based in American Samoa.)

The article talks about future OPCs allowing National Security Cutters to spend more time in the Western Pacific but makes no mention of USCGC Harriet Lane, currently based in Oahu, or other WMECs that might be based in the Pacific in the Future.

“…in the absence of the perfect asset, the FRCs are the right asset for the job right now. “We’re making it work.”

Spike NLOS Missile System Photos and Video

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Chuck Hill

A FaceBook friend alerted me to photos and the video above of an exercise launch of Spike NLOS missiles from a Philippine Acero class Fast Attack Craft (FAC), a version of the Israeli Shaldag V.

I see a need for something similar in the Coast Guard.

There was a discussion of Spike NLOS in earlier post. That post showed two smaller four round launchers fitted to an 11.9 meter craft.

The missile never leaves its shipping container until it is launched.

“Spike NLOS is delivered as a ‘wooden roound’ enabling long shelf life, low maintenance, and low life-cycle cost.”

TYPHOON MLS NLOS has an eight cell Spike NLOS missile launcher and integrated Toplite stabilized observation and target acquisition system (same as on the Mk38 mod2 and mod3). Photo: RAFAEL via defense-update.com

Below is one of the Philippine Acero class launching a Spike NLOS. In the US, Spike NLOS is currently used by the US Army and it is marketed through Lockheed Martin.

Philippine Navy Acero class patrol boat launches Rafael Spike NLOS. The vessel features a Rafael Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launcher capable of carrying 8 Spike-NLOS surface-to-surface missiles (limited to 4 ships only). Additionally, it is armed with one Mk.44 Bushmaster II autocannon mounted on a Rafael Typhoon Mk 30-C remote-controlled weapon station, two M2HB Browning 12.7 mm/50-cal. heavy machine guns mounted on Rafael Mini Typhoon remote-controlled weapon stations, and two M60 7.62 mm/30-cal. GP machine guns.

“CMF’s Combined Task Force 150 and U.S. Coast Guard Integration Key in Recent Drug Seizure” –NAVCENT

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Chuck Hill

250323-N-NO146-1001 ARABIAN SEA (March 23, 2025) Illegal narcotics seized from a stateless vessel are stacked on the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) in the Arabian Sea. (Photo by U.S. Coast Guard) Photo is from the O-1 deck, forward of the bridge, looking forward.

Below is a news release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs, March 24, 2025

MANAMA, Bahrain —

A U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutter, working in direct support of New Zealand-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), seized 260 kilograms of illegal narcotics from a vessel in the Arabian Sea, March 19.

The Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell’s (WPC-1145) boarding team discovered and seized 200kg of methamphetamine and 60kg of heroin from the vessel. After weighing and documenting the haul, the crew properly disposed of the narcotics.

Royal New Zealand Navy Capt. Dave Barr, CTF 150 deputy commander, said this drug bust is a testament to the tenacity and expert seamanship of the Coastguardsmen on the Emlen Tunnell operating so far off the coast in challenging waters, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with the multinational CTF 150 staff.

“The waters in this area are full of legitimate fishing and trading vessels so it’s important to get this part right and accurately identify those vessels that are likely to be carrying narcotics,” said Barr. “A big part of our mission is to deter smugglers, so that those legitimate operators can continue to navigate freely to carry out their business.”

This interdiction is part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in international waters and demonstrates the CMF’s continued commitment to safeguarding maritime security against malign non-state actors.

Emlen Tunnell is forward deployed to Bahrain. The fast response cutter is part of a contingent of U.S. Coast Guard ships operating in the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships alongside U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under CMF, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 46-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

“Coast Guard to send 3 more cutters to Guam, has no plans to escort Philippine ships” –Stars and Stripes

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Chuck Hill

A U.S. Coast Guard boat crew and boarding team from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) approaches a foreign fishing vessel to conduct a joint boarding inspection with members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission on the high seas in Oceania, Sept. 22, 2024. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry’s crew recently completed a 45-day patrol in Oceania in support of Operation Blue Pacific, promoting security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in the region.

Stars and Stripes reports,

The Coast Guard will double its Guam fleet to six cutters but doesn’t plan to accompany the Philippine coast guard as it struggles to maintain territorial claims in the South China Sea, the service’s Pacific-area commander said Friday.

This is based on a video news conference by Pacific Area Commander Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson speaking from Japan.

“The Coast Guard will not escort Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship garrisoned by Filipino troops at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, according to Tiongson.”

The Philippines has not asked for escorts, Tiongson said. “We do advise, and we do assist,” he said. “We provide what we would do in this situation.”

He also said, “It’s possible we may get another Indo-Pacific support cutter,” using the description applied to USCGC Harriet Lane, recently arrived in the Pacific Area to support operations in the Western Pacific.

There is more in the article.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutters return home after successful Central American deployment” –D11 News Release

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Chuck Hill

USCGC Forrest Rednour (WPC 1129) and Blackfin (WPB 87317) in Costa Rica

Below is a District 11 news release. Did an earlier post on this unusual deployment.

The 800 operational hours claimed for each vessel works out to 33.3 operational days out of 49 deployed, so I presume that means about 16 days in transit, there and back.

The Mexican Navy vessel mentioned, ARM PALENQUE, the third of ten Tenochtitlan-class patrol vessels, looks a lot like a Webber class Fast Response Cutter. It is also a Damen design, but a bit smaller (a Stan Patrol 4207 vs 4708 for the FRC). Damen has been very successful with this design. More than 50 have been built for more than a dozen agencies. (USCGC Blackfin and the other Marine Protector class patrol boats are also based on a Damen design.)

Mexican Navy ARM Palenque (PC-333) at launching March 2014. Credit Secrtaria de Marina.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard cutters Forrest Rednour and Blackfin have returned to their homeports after a 49-day deployment in Central America, where they played a crucial role in multiple operations.

During this period, both cutters demonstrated outstanding readiness and operational capability, significantly contributing to international cooperation, search and rescue missions, and efforts to combat criminal activities. This deployment was part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security and strengthen partnerships. Throughout the mission, Forrest Rednour covered over 8,200 miles and logged 800 operational hours, while Blackfin covered over 8,300 miles and also logged 800 operational hours.

“The amount of effort and commitment from both crews during this 49-day deployment was remarkable,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard District 11. “Their readiness and professional exchanges provided an invaluable experience to our partner nations and crews. The enthusiasm to lead multiple engagements with several international maritime organizations helped strengthen ties and fortify continued collaboration between all.”

Key Achievements:

Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX):

Manzanillo, Mexico: Blackfin led a successful SAR operation, including helicopter rescue exercises with the Mexican Navy.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala: Hosted tours and conducted SAR exercises with the Guatemalan Navy, building stronger maritime partnerships.
La Union, El Salvador: Rednour led a SAR exercise and joint operations with the Salvadoran Navy, marking the first U.S. vessel visit to this port in two years.

Partnership and Training:

Amapala, Honduras: Engaged in discussions and training on maritime law enforcement and security with the Honduran Navy and Merchant Marine.
Golfito, Costa Rica: Shared knowledge on maritime governance with the Costa Rican Coast Guard, enhancing mutual understanding.
Rodman, Panama: Provided damage control and medical evacuation training to Panamanian forces, marking the first U.S.-Panama Coast Guard engagement in over two years.
PASSEX with ARM PALENQUE: Forrest Rednour and Blackfin conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Mexican Navy’s ARM PALENQUE. This included formation steaming, code exercises, and a crew exchange to enhance mutual operational understanding and cooperation.

“This patrol was truly an amazing experience and a testament to the incredible devotion to duty that the crews of the Forrest Rednour and Blackfin have,” said Lt. Kevin Ng, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour. “Both crews adapted and overcame several challenges leading up to and during the patrol, but never took their eyes off the main objective. As a result, the Coast Guard was able to strengthen the valuable relationships that the United States has with our international partners throughout Central America and unify our efforts to address critical maritime security initiatives in the Eastern Pacific. Thank you to crews on a job well done, District 11 and Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach for the coordination, and the families and friends of the crew for all of the support; the success of this historic patrol could not have been accomplished without them all.”

“I could not be prouder of both crews for the incredible amount of hard work they have dedicated to making this historic patrol possible. The success of this Surface Action Group is a testament to the Coast Guard’s ability to overcome dynamic challenges in the completion of unprecedented mission sets. It also signifies the Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to advancing our vital maritime partnerships in the Eastern Pacific. The international relationships formed and strengthened during this deployment have set the groundwork for future engagements which I look forward to watching,” said Lt. j.g. James Morrison, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin.

Commissioned in 2018, the Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour is one of the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class fast response cutters homeported in San Pedro, California. Sentinel-class cutters are 154 feet long and 25 feet wide and have a 353 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 24. The namesake of the Forrest Rednour is Petty Officer 2nd Class Forrest O. Rednour, who heroically rescued survivors from the torpedoed USAT (US Army Transport–Chuck) Dorchester during World War II and was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Commissioned in 2000, the USCGC Blackfin is one of the Coast Guard’s Marine Protector-class patrol boats homeported in Santa Barbara, California. Marine Protector-class patrol boats are 87 feet long and 19.5 feet wide and have a 100 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 900 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 10. The Blackfin is equipped with advanced electronics and navigation systems for multi-mission operations, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security. The Blackfin shares the name of the USS Blackfin (SS-322), a submarine that participated in World War II and the Korean War.

“Coasties, Marines and Sailors Awarded for Seizing Millions of Pounds of Explosive Materials in Middle East” –Military.com

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Chuck Hill

220822-A-KS490-1182 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 forward-deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure maritime security and stability across the Middle East. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Noah Martin)

Military.com reports,

“Hundreds of service members earned an award for seizing two million pounds of “explosive precursor material” in the Gulf of Oman last year, according to a citation obtained by Military.com. It is one of the U.S. military’s largest publicly revealed hauls as it works to stifle arms smuggling in the region.”

The award was made to “192 Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU, 342 sailors assigned to the USS Carter Hall” and unreported numbers of additional personnel “aboard the USS Stethem and Coast Guard Cutters Emlen Tunnell, Glen Harris and John Scheuerman…”

This is not the first time PATFORSWA cutters have stopped shipments of explosives.

I had never heard of the Meritorious Team Commendation (MTC). It is a Coast Guard unit award created in 1993 for groups or teams that are not identifiable by OPFAC as a United States Coast Guard unit.

“USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) enters first drydock maintenance in Honolulu” –Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Chuck Hill

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew departs Guam for Honolulu on May 13, 2024, marking a significant milestone as the crew prepare for the first drydock maintenance period of approximately four and a half months. Commissioned in 2021, the Myrtle Hazard is the first of three Guam-based Fast Response Cutters to make the transit to Hawaii from Guam, traveling 3,743 miles to undergo this crucial maintenance phase. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)

Below is a U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam news release (more photos there) that clarifies how Guam based Fast Response Cutters will be maintained. Just to provide a hint of how arduous this was, the distance from their base to Hawaii, 3743 nautical miles, would take 12 days at a 14 knot cruise speed, while the nominal range and endurance of ships of this class is 5 days and 2500 miles. Actually, she departed Guam on May 13 and arrived in Hawaii, May 28, 15 days later, presumably having stopped at least once to refuel and resupply.

USCGC Myrtle Hazard arrived in Guam in September of 2020. This is her very first drydocking. Just getting to Hawaii required a transit equal to 16.3% of the miles she transited during the previous 42 months.

Commissioned in 2021, the Myrtle Hazard is the first of three Guam-based Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) to transit to Hawaii from Guam, traveling 3,743 miles to undergo this crucial maintenance phase.

In just the past two years, the Myrtle Hazard crew patrolled a vast 1.9 million square nautical mile area traveling as far south as Australia, accruing over 23,000 nautical miles steamed. The cutter crew enhanced regional maritime security and strengthened international cooperation by participating as the deputy commodore’s platform during a search and rescue exercise phase of Pacific Partnership 2022, the largest multinational humanitarian exercise in the Indo-Pacific. They also operationalized newly signed agreements by conducting historic bilateral boardings with Papua New Guinea, rescued mariners in dangerous sea conditions in the Northern Mariana Islands, and participated in critical operations escorting Department of Defense assets. The drydock maintenance is crucial for maintaining these high standards and ensuring the cutter’s continued ability to perform such missions.

“Throughout the transit east, as we leapfrogged through the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to reach Hawaii, this crew demonstrated extraordinary resilience and skill. Despite several engineering challenges that tested our capabilities, their steadfast commitment and proficient handling of all casualties ensured our safe and timely arrival for drydock maintenance. I am immensely proud of their dedication and professionalism, which continue to ensure our readiness and effectiveness in fulfilling our missions,” said Lt. Emma Saunders, commanding officer of the USCGC Myrtle Hazard, on her first transit since assuming command.

Why Drydock is Essential

Drydock maintenance is vital for operational readiness, extending the cutter’s service life, and ensuring the safety of its crew. It involves a series of comprehensive inspections and repairs the crew cannot perform while the vessel is waterborne. These include hull preservation, mechanical overhauls, and technological upgrades, all of which are crucial for maintaining the cutter’s peak performance and safety standards.

Logistical Excellence and Risk Management

The logistical operation to transfer the cutter from Guam to Honolulu highlights the strategic planning and risk management necessary for this evolution. By proactively addressing maintenance needs, the team can meet operational commitments without compromising the safety or effectiveness of the fleet.

“Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping our ships in shape; it’s about ensuring we’re always ready to meet the challenges we face at sea. Working closely with Coast Guard District 14 and our logistics teams, we schedule these critical maintenance periods to keep our missions running smoothly without missing a beat. This careful planning ensures we’re always there where we’re needed most, from safeguarding our shores to ensuring maritime safety and security across the Pacific. It’s a team effort, and every member of Team Guam plays a part in keeping our commitment strong and our presence steady in the waters we protect and the communities we serve.” said Capt. Robert Kistner, emphasizing the critical role of regular maintenance.

Next Steps for Guam-Based FRCs

Following the Myrtle Hazard, the other two Guam-based FRCs, USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) and USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143), will undergo their respective drydock periods. This systematic approach ensures that all vessels maintain their operational capabilities and readiness.

“We are committed to continuous improvement in maintenance practices, which is crucial for fulfilling our mission to protect and secure maritime interests in the Pacific,” said Kistner. “We look forward to Myrtle Hazard’s return this Fall.”

Future Outlook

As Base Guam continues to come online under the command of Cmdr. Dana Hiatt and operators employ the recently established Operational Logistics Command Expeditionary Team (LOG-X) more frequently; the U.S. Coast Guard is exploring enhancements in local maintenance capabilities and infrastructure in the Pacific. This includes potential investments in existing and new purpose-built facilities for Team Guam, which are crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring a ready fleet capable of meeting future challenges.

Myrtle Hazard, the 39th 154-foot Sentinel-class FRC, is named in honor of the first enlisted woman in the U.S. Coast Guard who served as an electrician and radio operator. As part of the Guam-based cutters, it is a cornerstone for the U.S. Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to the people of Oceania, focusing on maritime safety, security, and stewardship.

-USCG-

About U.S. Coast Guard Team Guam
Comprising over 350 members, this team is focused on maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam, and their sub-units are staffed by dedicated active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel. With a significant presence in Guam, Saipan, and the Micronesia sub-region, this integrated team focuses on operations and logistics to support maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania and maintains close ties with local communities.

Changing of the Guard, WPC for WMEC

Posted on May 18, 2024 by Chuck Hill

USCGC ALERT departing Astoria

Passing this along from the “Coast Guard Sea Duty Veterans” Facebook page. The post was by Bill James.

On Friday, 10 May, Cutter ALERT sailed beneath the Astoria-Megler bridge, crossed the Columbia River Bar, and proceeded south enroute to her new homeport of Cape Canaveral, Florida.

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Simultaneously, the newly built CGC DAVID DUREN, one of the two 154’ USCG Sentinel Class cutters proceeded northward on its journey from Key West to its new homeport of Astoria, OR.

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This Thursday, 16 May, the two cutters passed close abroad in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. DAVID DUREN rendered passing honors and ALERT returned the salute, thereby properly relieving ALERT’s 30-year watch to the first of two Sentinel Class Cutters to be stationed in Astoria.

USCGC DAVID DUREN (WPC-1156) Renders Passing Honors

“Canadian-Led CTF 150 Seize Nearly 2,000kg of Narcotics in Two Interdictions in a Single Day” –Combined Maritime Forces

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Chuck Hill

Apr 14, 2024
ARABIAN SEA – 240410-N-NO146-1005 ARABIAN SEA (April 10, 2024) Bags of illegal narcotics seized from a vessel are stacked on the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) in the Arabian Sea, April 10. Clarence Sutphin Jr. was operating under Combined Task Force 150, one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf. Crimson Barracuda counters terrorist and criminal organizations’ use of the high seas to smuggle narcotics, weapons, and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

Below is a news release from Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs.

I would note two things about this particular incident. The use of “Canadian space-based intelligence” to cue the cutter’s interdiction, and second, that you can see Long Range Acoustic Devices mounted on the cutter in the photo above. Below is a close-up.

Long Range Acoustic Device.

MANAMA, Bahrain —The Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 carried out two drug interdictions at sea in a single day as part of Focused Operation Crimson Barracuda in the Arabian Sea, April 10. The two interdictions resulted in the seizure of a combined total of nearly 2,000 kg of drugs.

The Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster, a Duke-class Type 23 frigate, seized over 800 kg of hashish, 390 kg of methamphetamines and 110 kg of heroine from a stateless dhow in the Arabian Sea. This was the crew’s first day of deployment after completing a crew swap a few weeks before.

“I am exceptionally proud of the entire team in Lancaster executing this interdiction on the first day of our deployment,” said Royal Navy Cmdr. Chris Sharp, HMS Lancaster’s commanding officer. “Complex interdictions in such a challenging environment require true teamwork across the entire ship’s company. This success is shared with our partners in CTF 150 who provided essential support to the operation.”

Then, using Canadian space-based intelligence, the Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) seized 257 kg of methamphetamines, 92 kg of heroine, 17 kg of amphetamines, 296 kg of hashish, and 15 kg of marijuana from another dhow in the Arabian Sea. After weighing and documenting the hauls, the crew disposed of the narcotics.

Clarence Sutphin Jr is forward deployed to Bahrain as part of a contingent of U.S. Coast Guard ships under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships alongside U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East.

“These two interdictions have made a significant dent in criminal and terrorist organizations’ ability to use drugs to fund their activities,” said Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews, Commander Combined Task Force 150. “The collaboration of our assets and personnel allowed us to become a precise and highly effective team that not only undermined the efforts of these organizations, but also nearly 2,000 kg of drugs from hitting the streets.”

Crimson Barracuda counters terrorist and criminal organizations’ use of the high seas to smuggle narcotics, weapons, and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 42-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

“Coast Guard to commission new ship in New London, Connecticut”

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Chuck Hill

USCGC MELVIN BELL (WPC-1155) Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter VIRIN: 240131-G-HT254-1095.JPG

Below is a Coast Guard news release. This may be the first time many cadets will get an opportunity to see a Webber class WPC. Note the approximately four and a half months between delivery and commissioning. The next two FRCs will go to Astoria, Oregon.

WHO: Rear Adm. John W. Mauger, the First Coast Guard District commander, Lt. Patrick Kelly, the Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC-1155) commanding officer, Rita Mayer, the cutter’s sponsor, along with additional Bell family members.
WHAT: Commissioning Ceremony for Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell
WHEN: Thursday, March 28, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Academy at 31 Mohegan Ave Pkwy, New London, CT 06320.

Editor’s Note: Media interested in attending must RSVP to D1PublicAffairs@uscg.mil by 8 a.m. Wednesday to gain access to the ceremony.

New London, CT. — The Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC-1155) is scheduled to be commissioned during a ceremony Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Coast Guard Academy in New London.

The Coast Guard’s newest cutter was accepted by the Coast Guard on November 16, 2023, and will be the sixth and final fast response cutter homeported in Boston.

The Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC) is designed for multiple missions, including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The 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.

All Coast Guard fast response cutters are named after an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. Melvin Kealoha Bell was a master chief electronics technician and served in the Coast Guard from November 1938 to December 1958. ETCM Melvin Bell distinguished himself during World War II by transmitting the first warning messages to military installations in Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked. He continued to prove instrumental throughout the war as he helped break enemy codes leading to numerous victories, including the Battle of Midway and in an operation to break up a Nazi espionage network in New York City. ETCM Bell became the first Pacific Islander to achieve the rank of chief petty officer, the first master chief electronics technician and the first master chief petty officer of color.

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