USCG Receives Ninth Fast Response Cutter

Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. has delivered the KATHLEEN MOORE, the ninth Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the United States Coast Guard.

Bollinger President, Chris Bollinger announced the successful delivery of the USCGC KATHLEEN MOORE to the 7^th Coast Guard District in Key West, FL, stating,  “We are very pleased with the latest delivery of this high quality Fast Response Cutter built by the Bollinger team.  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.”

The 154 foot patrol craft KATHLEEN MOORE is the ninth vessel in the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class FRC program. To build the FRC, Bollinger used 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.

The Coast Guard took delivery on March 28, 2014 in Key West, Florida and is scheduled to commission the vessel in Key West, Florida during May, 2014.

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, Lighthouse Keeper Kathleen Moore.    Kathleen Moore 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 that station for an astounding 72 years where she continually braved the harsh storms of Long Island Sound to save those in peril.  Kate Moore served as keeper of the Black Rock Harbor Light on Fayerweather Island, Connecticut.  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.

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Naval Today Staff, March 30, 2014; Image: Bollinger Shipyard