Steel slicing was noticed by leaders of the United States Coast Guard Project Resident Office at ESG’s Allanton Shipyard the place the primary metal plates for fourth OPC had been minimize by ESG personnel
Even because it continues to contest the Coast Guard’s resolution to award Stage 2 of the offshore patrol cutter (OPC) program to Austal USA, Panama City, Fla., primarily based Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) continues to forge forward with manufacturing of the primary 4 ships in this system.
On Monday, October 17, ESG commenced development of the USCGC Rush (WMSM-918), Hull 4 of the Heritage Class OPC program. The event was noticed by leaders of the United States Coast Guard Project Resident Office at ESG’s Allanton Shipyard the place the primary metal plates had been minimize by ESG personnel within the state-of-the-art 103,000 sq. foot metal and aluminum processing facility.
“The first four offshore patrol cutters are fully under production for the U.S. Coast Guard thanks to the steadfast commitment of our skilled professionals and partners,” stated Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. “USCGC Rush is part of a class of ships that boast multi-mission capabilities and the endurance to carry the men and women of the USCG for more than half a century. With more than 45 years of steel shipbuilding experience we promise the highest quality control, and we look forward to delivering the lead vessel of the class next year.”
In May, the U.S. Coast Guard modified the contract with ESG in order that set up of the Athena fight weapons system and multi-mode radar system shall be accomplished through the manufacturing part of the OPC. The Athena system, radar and armament of the OPC are offered to the Coast Guard as Navy sort, Navy-owned authorities furnished gear.
“Prior to this modification, installation of both systems was to occur after contract delivery while each cutter was in its homeport,” stated D’Isernia. “The Navy has completed development, integration and testing of the Athena and radar systems, enabling the Coast Guard to shift to production-phase installation. Performing this work prior to delivery reduces the technical risks associated with post-delivery installation and delivers mission-ready OPCs to the fleet as soon as possible.”
By implementing these modifications now, ESG expects that it’s going to ship functionality years forward of a post-delivery integration technique which is a large profit to taxpayers and nationwide safety. This further scope of labor ends in a brand new supply date in 2023 for the lead cutter Argus which is 75% full. The second OPC is roughly 50% full, and the third is 25% full. The fourth OPC is scheduled for supply in 2026.
