USCGC James completes builder's sea trials
USCGC James, the fifth Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) of the US Coast Guard, has completed builder's sea trials, as announced by Huntington Ingalls on 7 April.
The NSC underwent three days of sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Ingalls' test and trials team lead the trials, conducting extensive testing of the propulsion, electrical, damage control, anchor handling, small boat operations and combat systems. This culminated in the ship completing a four-hour, full-power propulsion run.
Ingalls has delivered four NSCs so far and has three more, including James, under construction. A construction contract was recently awarded for an eighth NSC.
Richard Schenk, vice president, programme management and test and trials, Ingalls, said: 'Our Ingalls/coast guard team worked tirelessly during the three days, and the ship performed well.
'The Ingalls operating crew performed more than 180 events and handled each one with the utmost professionalism. It is obvious to all who sailed on builder's trials that NSC 5 is ready for her acceptance trials at the end of April.'
Jim French, NSC programme manager, Ingalls Shipbuilding, said: 'Any time we get the opportunity to take a new ship to sea, it is always something special and this trip was no exception.
'Our shipbuilding team continues to incorporate learning from ship to ship, making this a very stable programme across the board. We've got a good NSC core team who work the same areas of each ship, and we are seeing the benefits associated with this serial production. It's the most affordable way to build a class of ships.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
