Bollinger Shipyards LLC (“Bollinger”) has delivered the USCGC Glen Harris to the U.S. Coast Guard in Key West, Florida. This is the 167th vessel Bollinger has delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard over a 35-year period and the 44th Fast Response Cutter (“FRC”) delivered under the current program.
The Glen Harris is the third of six FRCs to be homeported in Manama, Bahrain, which will be replace the aging 110′ Island-class patrol boats, built by Bollinger 30 years ago, supporting the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), the Coast Guard’s largest overseas presence outside the U.S.
FRCs are being outfitted with the Rhotheta RT-500-M wideband radio direction finder system, an essential tool for search-and-rescue, safety, and enhanced situational awareness, with a proven performance record. The RT-500-M features advanced connectivity for ECDIS, Gyrocompass, and GPS, and operates on all V-UHF bands within the 118 to 470 MHz range, including all international emergency frequencies.
Earlier this year at the commissioning ceremony of the Charles Moulthrope, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz lauded the “enhanced seakeeping” capabilities of the PATFORSWA-bound FRCs. “These ships are truly going to be game changing in their new theater of operations” and “offer increased opportunities for integrated joint operations with our Navy and Marine Corps colleagues” as the Coast Guard seeks to be part of the whole-of-government solution set in the region, he said.
PATFORSWA is composed of six cutters, shoreside support personnel, and the Maritime Engagement Team. The unit’s mission is to train, organize, equip, support and deploy combat-ready Coast Guard Forces in support of U.S. Central Command and national security objectives. PATFORSWA works with Naval Forces Central Command in furthering their goals to conduct persistent maritime operations to forward U.S. interests, deter and counter disruptive countries, defeat violent extremism and strengthen partner nations’ maritime capabilities in order to promote a secure maritime environment.
About the Fast Response Cutter Platform
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. Surfman Glen Harris piloted the first wave of landing craft on Tulagi Island in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and also made a landing against a Japanese force on Guadalcanal Island. Harris was awarded a Silver Star medal by Adm. Chester Nimitz for his heroic combat actions.
FRCs are consistently being deployed in support of the full range of missions within the Coast Guard and other branches of our armed services. This is due to its performance, expanded operational reach and capabilities, and ability to transform and adapt to the mission. FRCs have conducted operations as far as the Marshall Islands — a 4,400 nautical mile trip from their homeport.
About Bollinger Shipyards LLC
Bollinger Shipyards LLC (www.bollingershipyards.com) is a leading designer and builder of high performance military patrol boats, ocean-going double hull barges, offshore oil field support vessels, tugboats, rigs, lift boats, inland waterways push boats, barges, and other steel and aluminum products from its new construction shipyards as part of the U. S. industrial base. Bollinger has 10 shipyards, all strategically located 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.
About Rhotheta
Rhotheta has leveraged more than 30 years of engineering experience to develop a comprehensive line of radio direction finding equipment for air traffic control, search and rescue, and vessel traffic services. The company has found a competitive edge in the industry through a keen dedication to customer service and an optimal price/performance ratio. More than 200 organizations depend on Rhotheta products including the U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, and German Air Navigation Services.
For more information, visit https://rhothetaint.com/