Fifth Fast Response Cutter Delivered to U.S. Coast Guard

Fast Response Cutter USCGC MARGARET NORVELL operating in the U. S. Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Bollinger Shipyards

The U.S. Coast Guard has taken delivery of its fifth Fast Response Cutter (FRC) from Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana.

The 154-foot cutter, named the USCGC MARGARET NORVELL, is fifth vessel in the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class FRC program. To build the FRC, Bollinger Shipyards used a proven, in-service parent craft design based on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708. It has a flank speed of 28 knots, state of the art command, control, communications and computer technology, and a stern launch system for the vessels 26 foot cutter boat. The FRC has been described as an operational “game changer,” by senior Coast Guard officials.

The vessel is named after the enlisted Coast Guard hero, Margaret Norvell, who served for 41 years with the U.S. Lighthouse Service in Louisiana from 1891 to 1932. Norvell served as keeper of both the Port Ponchartrain Light and the West End Light.

“We are very pleased to announce another successful on-time delivery to the Coast Guard,” said Chris Bollinger, Bollinger’s executive vice president of new construction. “The MARGARET NORVELL was delivered to the 7th Coast Guard District in Key West, FL, and will be stationed at USCG Sector Miami. We are all looking forward to the vessel’s commissioning, as well as honoring and celebrating the heroic acts of Margaret Norvell.”

The new cutter was delivered to the Coast Guard on March 21, 2013 in Key West, Florida and is scheduled to be commissioned in New Orleans, Louisiana in June, 2013.

In total the Coast Guard plans to acquire up to 58 FRCs. So far eighteen FRC’s have been ordered from Bollinger.