The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard announced the names of the first 11 offshore patrol cutters (OPCs):
USCGC Argus
USCGC Chase
USCGC Ingham
USCGC Pickering
USCGC Rush
USCGC Icarus
USCGC Active
USCGC Diligence
USCGC Alert
USCGC Vigilant
USCGC Reliance
The offshore patrol cutter is the Coast Guard’s highest investment priority. The offshore patrol cutter will bridge capabilities between the national security cutter, which patrols the open ocean, and the fast response cutter, which serves closer to shore. The offshore patrol cutter will replace the service’s 270-foot and 210-foot medium endurance cutters.
“The offshore patrol cutter will be the backbone of Coast Guard offshore presence and the manifestation of our at-sea authorities,” said Adm. Paul Zukunft, commandant of the Coast Guard. “It is essential to stopping smugglers at sea, for interdicting undocumented migrants, rescuing mariners, enforcing fisheries laws, responding to disasters and protecting our ports.”
The first offshore patrol cutter is scheduled for delivery in fiscal year 2021.
