Bollinger delivers ninth FRC

USCGC KATHLEEN MOORE outbound during shipbuilder's trials in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

MARCH 28, 2014 — Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. has delivered the Kathleen Moore, the ninth Fast Response Cutter (FRC). The Coast Guard took delivery today in Key West, FL, where it is scheduled to commission the vessel in May.

“We are very pleased with the latest delivery of this high quality Fast Response Cutter built by the Bollinger team,” said Bollinger’s President, Chris Bollinger. “Once again, this is another successful FRC delivery that is on schedule and on budget. We are all looking forward to the vessel’s commissioning, as well as honoring and celebrating the heroic acts of Lighthouse Keeper Kathleen Moore.”

Coast Guard hero Kathleen Moore served as keeper of the Black Rock Harbor Light on Fayerweather Island, CT. She first stood the watch at the age of 12, when her father began tending the light in 1817 after a shipboard injury prevented him from going to sea. She took on the duties herself as her father’s health worsened, although she was not officially appointed as head keeper until 1871. She served the station for an astounding 72 years where she continually braved the harsh storms of Long Island Sound to save those in peril. She was officially credited with saving 21 lives. Her light made the difference between a successful journey and catastrophe for more than two hundred vessels sailing the sound nightly.

The 154 foot patrol craft named for her is the ninth vessel in the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class FRC program. To build the FRC series, Bollinger uses a proven, in-service parent craft design based on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708. It has a flank speed of 28 knots, state of the art command, control, communications and computer technology, and a stern launch system for the vessels 26 foot cutter boat.

The FRC has been described as an operational “game changer,” by senior Coast Guard officials.