Three in one go

The United States Coast Guard put three new ships into service today (Thursday 29 July). From their new home port on the island of Guam, the so-called Fast Response Cutters will ensure security in the region. To this end, the Americans have concluded agreements with various island states in Micronesia that are members of the Pacific Islands Forum. These can embark so-called shipriders on the USCG units and use them to observe, board and search suspicious ships in the respective exclusive economic zone. This saves the participating nations the cost of operating their own patrol boats.
The following were named Myrtle Hazard, Oliver Henry and Frederick Hatch for deserving coastguard men. They replace the thirty-year-old boats of the Iceland-class. The new ships are equipped with modern communication and monitoring systems. Compared to their predecessors, the operating radius and sea endurance have been increased. Journeys of up to 2500 nautical miles are possible in five days at sea. The boats, which are almost 50 metres long, can reach a maximum speed of more than 28 knots if required. Their armament includes a stabilised 50 millimetre cannon and four 12.7 millimetre calibre machine guns.

Admiral Karl Schultz, Commander of the US Coast Guard, greets the commanders of the three new boats

Text: mb; Photo: USCG