For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard has announced that Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., of Panama City, Florida has been awarded a contract to continue development of the Offshore Patrol Cutter. The contract includes $110.29M for detail design of the Offshore Patrol Cutter and options for production of the lead ship and up to eight follow-on cutters.
“This decision moves us closer to finalizing the Offshore Patrol Cutter fleet and reflects the continued support of the President and Congress as we continue to recapitalize the Coast Guard," said Secretary Johnson. "The Offshore Patrol Cutter is the most affordable way to meet the Department's mission critical needs and I commend all those for the hard work they put in to make this important step a reality.”
"The Offshore Patrol Cutter acquisition is the Coast Guard's highest investment priority, and we are proud to announce this important milestone," said Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Paul Zukunft. "The Offshore Patrol Cutter will replace our aging medium endurance cutters and provide the majority of offshore presence by the Coast Guard's cutter fleet. Whether combating transnational organized criminal networks off Central America or patrolling in the increasingly accessible Arctic, the Offshore Patrol Cutter will ensure our Nation's maritime security and economic interests are preserved for decades to come."
The Offshore Patrol Cutter will directly support the Coast Guard's Western Hemisphere Strategy and the Department's Southern Border and Approaches campaign. The cutters will also support U.S. Arctic objectives by projecting national sovereignty, and protecting emerging commerce and offshore energy exploration.
The Offshore Patrol Cutter will complement the Coast Guard's 418-foot National Security Cutter and the 154-foot Fast Response Cutter fleet while replacing the aging fleet of 210-foot and 270-foot medium endurance cutters, some that have been in service in excess of 50 years. The first Offshore Patrol Cutter is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2021."
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