Bollinger Shipyards LLC has made a significant contribution by providing the 54th Fast Response Cutter (FRC), the USCGC William Sparling, to the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Fast Response Cutter USCGC William Sparling. (Picture source: Bollinger Shipyards)
This delivery took place in Key West, Florida, marking the 180th ship Bollinger has supplied to the U.S. Coast Guard in its 35-year relationship. This FRC is part of an ongoing program, now standing as the 54th delivery.
The USCGC William Sparling, which is destined to join a fleet of six FRCs in Boston, MA, is a testament to the long-standing and successful partnership between Bollinger and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Sector Boston, "The Birthplace of the Coast Guard," will have the USCGC William Sparling as its fifth of six homeported FRCs. This sector supervises coastal safety, security, and environmental protection from the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border to Plymouth, Massachusetts, extending 200nm offshore.
Over 1,500 members actively ensure the safety and security of vital maritime infrastructure and respond to all hazards impacting the coastal and maritime transportation system.
Looking ahead, the Coast Guard's FY2024 Unfunded Priorities List includes a priority for procuring an additional four FRCs, extending the program to 69 FRCs. This expansion aims to enhance the Coast Guard's presence and engagement with allied and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Senior Coast Guard officials regard the FRC as an operational "game changer". The FRC's performance, operational reach and capabilities have made it a vital asset for the U.S. Coast Guard and other branches of the armed services.
At 154-feet, with a flank speed of 28 knots, advanced C4ISR suite, and stern launch and recovery ramp for a 26-foot over-the-horizon interceptor cutter boat, FRCs have conducted operations as far as the Marshall Islands - a 4,400 nautical mile journey from their homeport.
