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Marine Log Workers
USCGC Melvin Bell is the sixth of six FRCs to be homeported in Boston, Mass. [Photo: Bollinger Shipyards]
Bollinger Shipyards LLC has delivered the USCGC Melvin Bell to the U.S. Coast Guard in Key West, Fla. That is the 181st vessel Bollinger has delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard over a 35-year interval and the fifty fifth Quick Response Cutter (FRC) delivered underneath the present program.
The USCGC Melvin Bell would be the sixth of six FRCs to be homeported in Sector Boston, which is called “the Birthplace of the Coast Guard.” The sector is accountable for coastal security, safety, and environmental safety from the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border southward to Plymouth, Massachusetts out to 200 nautical miles offshore.
“We’re extremely proud to ship the USCGC Melvin Bell, the ultimate of six Quick Response Cutters to be homeported in Boston, the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard,” mentioned Bollinger president and CEO Ben Bordelon. “We’re assured that pound for pound, the standard and capabilities of the FRC platform are unmatched and that this vessel will outperform its mission necessities and expectations within the difficult situations the place it should function within the North Atlantic. Our distinctive expertise constructing for the Coast Guard is unparalleled and has proven time and time once more that we efficiently ship the very best high quality vessels on a dependable, aggressive manufacturing schedule. We sit up for persevering with our historic partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.”
The Coast Guard’s FY2024 Unfunded Priorities Record contains procuring 4 extra FRCs (which might be the 66th via 69th vessels in this system) to supply elevated Coast Guard presence and engagement with allied and companion nations within the Indo-Pacific area. Earlier this 12 months, Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, mentioned, “The Indo-Pacific is clearly a consequential area for America’s future. America Indo-Pacific Technique identifies an expanded function for the U.S. Coast Guard as a prime Administration precedence as we search to make sure a area that’s free and open. The U.S. Coast Guard will proceed its lengthy historical past of operational presence within the area with further cutter patrols and deployable specialised forces.”
Measuring in at 154 toes lengthy, FRCs have a flank velocity of 28 knots, state-of-the-art C4ISR suite (Command, Management, Communications, Computer systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and stern launch and restoration ramp for a 26-foot lengthy over-the-horizon interceptor cutter boat.
COAST GUARD HERO
Every FRC is known as for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves within the line of obligation. Melvin Bell, a minority pioneer and Pacific conflict hero was a patriot whose distinguished profession in service of his nation spanned 65 years in army and civil service. Throughout his active-duty profession, Bell held many distinctions. In 1943 he grew to become the primary Pacific Islander superior to chief petty officer. He later held the excellence of a twin score as Chief Radioman and Chief Electronics Technician. In 1958 he grew to become the primary minority Grasp Chief within the historical past of the Coast Guard.
His decorations included the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Nationwide Protection Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Marketing campaign Medal, American Protection Medal, American Marketing campaign Medal and Victory World Warfare II Medal.
