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Hurricane relief efforts demonstrate NSC’s capabilities

Written by Nick Blenkey
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The Hamilton crew deploys a 35-foot long-range interceptor II to act as a life boat during helicopter operations in Key West, Florida, to support Hurricane Irma relief operations

SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 – The fourth national security cutter (NSC), Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, has been showcasing its ability to serve as an open-ocean command and control center since it began conducting Hurricane Irma relief efforts on the east coast of Florida September 12.

“The Hamilton, one of the newest national security cutters in the Coast Guard fleet, is already demonstrating its value and capabilities in its ability to provide helicopter support, small boat operations, medical support, and command and control from offshore as the cutter and crew respond to the needs of Florida’s citizens following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma,” said Capt. Mark Gordon, the cutter’s commanding officer.

Hamilton arrived off the Jacksonville coast early September 12, The cutter’s improved seakeeping stabilized the ship as it transited the narrow band of more than 15-foot seas between Hurricanes Irma and Jose throughout the weekend.

Upon arrival, Hamilton began conducting a preliminary assessment of the entrance to the St. Johns River in Jacksonville and deployed its 35-foot long-range interceptor II (LRI-II) cutter boat to survey the port. The boat’s five-member crew traveled up the river, assessed the status of aids to navigation, surveyed the waterway for hazards and made contact with Coast Guard Station Mayport to provide a clear picture of the damage for Sector Jacksonville.

Hamilton then transited to Key West, Florida, arriving the morning of September 13 to join the medium endurance cutters Northland and Forward in providing assistance.

Since then, Hamilton and its boats have been supporting relief efforts in multiple ways. The cutter provided fuel for an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter so it could continue its relief efforts. Its LRI-II – which has a range of 240 nautical miles and room for up to 15 passengers and crew – surveyed an overturned boat found south of Key West and ensured no one was in distress.

The cutter uses its advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment to coordinate operations from the scene.

Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, the 418 ft Legend-class national security cutters are the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the Coast Guard fleet with a range of 12,000 nautical miles and endurance for 60- to 90-day patrol cycles. The ships are built to serve as operational-level headquarters for complex law enforcement, defense and homeland security mis­sions.

Six NSCs are in service. Hamilton was commissioned in 2014 and is one of two NSCs based in Charleston, SC. The other four are based in Alameda, CA. The seventh and eighth NSCs are scheduled for delivery in 2018 and 2019; they will be based in Honolulu. The Coast Guard placed the ninth NSC on contract in July.

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