La.-built FRCs feasibility study

LOCKPORT, La. - National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien recently announced plans to conduct a feasibility study on whether to base Coast Guard Sentinel Class Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) in American Samoa to counter “destabilizing and malign actions” by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Together with the FRCs already based in Guam, these FRCs will help the U.S. to maintain its commitment to peace and prosperity, and ensure that America remains the partner of choice in the region, he said. In early 2020, Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana delivered the USCGC OLIVER HENRY to the Coast Guard, which is the second of three FRCs to be homeported in Apra Harbor, Guam, in support of Operation Aiga, which is an effort to strengthen island nations in Oceania, including through fishery patrols and enforcement. That cutter marked the 163rd vessel Bollinger has delivered to the Coast Guard in its 35-year period, and 40th FRC delivered under the current program. “Should the proposed feasibility study demonstrate a need for additional FRCs, Bollinger Shipyards and the maritime defense industrial base stand ready to construct and deliver the high-quality and high-endurance vessels necessary to carry out and perform the mission at hand,” said Ben Bordelon, President/CEO of Bollinger Shipyards and Chairman of the Shipbuilders Council of America. Bollinger is also participating in industry studies for five government programs: CG’s Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), Navy’s Common Hull Auxiliary Multi-Mission Platform (CHAMP), Navy’s Auxiliary General Ocean Surveillance (T-AGOS(X)), Navy’s Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV) and the Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program. Bollinger has 10 shipyards throughout Louisiana with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Bollinger is the largest vessel repair company in the Gulf of Mexico region. (Source: Bollinger Shipyard 10/26/20) http://www.bollingershipyards.com/blog/proposal-to-expand-fast-response-cutter-program-in-american-samoa-to-strengthen-u-s-strategic-presen