Eastern Shipbuilding Group announced on September 28, 2018 that the U.S. Coast Guard exercised the fixed-price, incentive option on its Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Contract to build the lead OPC, USCGC ARGUS (WMSM-915). In conjunction, the U.S. Coast also exercised the firm fixed price option for Long Lead Time Materials for OPC #2, USCGC CHASE (WMSM-916). These accomplishments result from two major reviews in July and August, specifically the Final Critical Design Review (FCDR) and Production Readiness Review (PRR).
USCG's future OPC
Eastern’s President Mr. Joey D’Isernia noted the following: "Today represents the beginning of production for the USCG’s future replacement of their 210-ft and 270-ft class Medium Endurance Cutters. Our team and subcontractors have worked extremely hard to get these options exercised on time. As we continue this partnership with the USCG, we will deliver vessels which will protect our country’s shorelines and national security interests for the next forty plus years. Eastern Shipbuilding along with its vendor network from 29 other states will work tirelessly with the USCG project team to deliver high quality, highly capable vessels on time within budget. Today's success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication exhibited by the members of both the ESG and USCG project teams. We are excited to take this monumental next step and look forward to starting construction of USCGC ARGUS.”
The OPC is designed to conduct multiple missions in support of the nation’s maritime security and border protection. The OPC will provide a capability bridge between the national security cutter, which patrols the open ocean in the most demanding maritime environments, and the fast response cutter, which serves closer to shore. The OPC design includes the capability of carrying an MH-60R or MH-65 Helicopter and three operational Over-The-Horizon (OTH) small boats. The vessel is also equipped with a highly sophisticated combat system and C4ISR suite that will enhance capabilities to execute the service’s missions.
On September 15, 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard exercised the option for Detail Design on Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s OPC contract. Eastern Shipbuilding Group will construct the Offshore Patrol Cutters to replace the Medium Endurance Cutters currently in service. The contract includes options for production of up to nine (9) vessels with options for two (2) additional vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard plans to acquire a total of twenty-five (25) Offshore Patrol Cutters.
