Bollinger Shipyards delivers FRC 24

USCGC Oliver Berry in Key West, Florida

JUNE 28, 2017 — Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the USCGC Oliver Berry, the 24th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard took delivery of the ship yesterday in Key West, Florida and the vessel’s commissioning is scheduled for October, 2017 in Honolulu.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the delivery of the latest FRC, the USCGC Oliver Berry, said Bollinger President & CEO Ben Bordelon. “This FRC built by Bollinger Shipyards will be the first to be stationed at U.S. Coast Guard District 14 in Honolulu, Hawaii Previous cutters have been stationed in Florida, San Juan, P.R., Cape May, N.J.”

Mr. Bordelon called the FRC program “a model program for government acquisition” that has surpassed all historical quality benchmarks for vessels of this type and complexity.

“We are extremely proud that the Fast Response Cutters built by Louisiana craftsmen here at Bollinger Shipyards are having such a major impact on our nation’s security,” he said. “We are looking forward to hearing of the heroic exploits of the USCGC Oliver Berry as it joins the Coast Guard’s operational fleet.”

The 154 foot patrol craft USCGC Oliver Berry is the 24th vessel in the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class FRC program, which is based on a proven, in-service parent craft design, the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708.

Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished him or herself in the line of duty. This vessel is named after Coast Guard Hero Oliver Berry.

Berry, a distinguished expert mechanic on CG aircraft, was lead instructor at the first U.S. military helicopter training unit established in 1946. He received a letter of commendation from the commandant, Adm. Joseph F. Farley for his contribution to a 1946 rescue of airliner crash victims in Newfoundland, which required the rapid dismantling, air transport and reassembly of Coast Guard helicopters. Berry was commended for his meritorious service and the outstanding manner in which he performed his duties.