The 53rd fast response cutter (FRC) named John Patterson was officially delivered to the US Coast Guard in Key West, Florida.
The vessel will be the fourth in its to call Boston its homeport.
The Coast Guard has ordered 65 FRCs, with 51 currently in service across multiple locations, and future homeports planned in Oregon and Alaska.
Named after Coast Guard heroes, the FRCs serve as a replacement for the aging Island-class 110-foot patrol boats, providing crucial capabilities in coastal and nearby waters while effectively meeting the service’s requirements.
To expedite the delivery of new vessels capable of fulfilling mission requirements, the Coast Guard adopted a “parent-craft” approach for the Sentinel-class cutters, leveraging existing ship designs with proven performance in similar missions.
The Sentinel-class fast response cutter serves as a vital component capable of independent deployment for diverse missions encompassing port, waterway, and coastal security, fishery patrols, search and rescue operations, as well as national defense initiatives.
Measuring 154 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and with a draft of 9 feet 6 inches, these vessels displace 353 long tons. With a maximum speed exceeding 28 knots, they ensure swift response times, while their range of 2,500 nautical miles and five-day endurance offer extended operational capabilities.
Enhancing their defensive capabilities, the cutters feature a stabilized 25-mm machine gun mount and four crew-served .50-caliber machine guns.
