Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La., has delivered the Coast Guard’s 17th fast response cutter, the Donald Horsley.
The Coast Guard took delivery on March 5 in Key West, Fla. and is planning a May commissioning ceremony in Puerto Rico, where the vessel and crew will be based. The 154’x25’x9’6” Sentinel-class cutter is assigned to the Coast Guard Seventh District. The FRC program is replacing the Coast Guard’s aging fleet of 1980s-era 110’ Island-class patrol boats.
Bollinger based its FRC design on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708, obtaining a vessel with 28 knots flank speed. The Horsley has the Coast Guard’s command, control, communications and computer technology, interoperable the systems of the departments of Homeland Security and Defense. The cutter carries a 26’ over-the-horizon long range cutter boat with a stern launch and recovery system.
FRCs are named for distinguished members of the Coast Guard and its predecessor, the U.S. Lifesaving Service. The newest is named for Master Chief Petty Officer Donald H. Horsley, recipient of the Bronze Star with combat “V” device for his leadership of Division 13 of Coast Guard Squadron One during the Vietnam War.
