USCG commissions Benjamin Bottoms FRC
The US Coast Guard (USCG) commissioned its 32nd Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC), Benjamin Bottoms, in San Pedro, California, on 1 May.
Benjamin Bottoms is the fourth FRC to be stationed in San Pedro.
The Sentinel-class FRCs feature advanced C4ISR equipment; over-the-horizon boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping.
The FRCs can be deployed for missions including drug and migrant interdictions; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; SAR; and national defence.
To date, the USCG has ordered 50 FRCs of which 32 are in service.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres
The agreement to provide portable autonomous command centres to the UK Royal Navy will enhance the service’s Mine Counter Measure operations and further integrate autonomous and uncrewed systems into its fleet.
-
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.