Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf Launched

Northrop Grumman reports today that it has launched the first National Security Cutter (NSC) for the United States Coast Guard, at Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship, called the Bertholf (WMSL 750), is moving on its own power and is starting its Machinery Trials, one of the last steps before it becomes operational.

The NSC is a cutter designed to endure long deployments off the dangerous coasts of the United States, taking on a number of roles. It patrols in order to find ships and boats in trouble and rescue the crews, if necessary. It enforces US laws, partially by scouting for and interdicting drug smugglers. It also protects shipping from potential terrorist attacks. Recently, air crews from the Coast Guard helped to rescue people on the West Coast trapped by flood waters.

To do these things the ship is equipped with a large flight deck, so that it can handle more than one helicopter at a time. It can also launch small boats more effectively than earlier cutters can.

The new class of cutters should be in operation for the next 40 years, says Captain Patrick Stadt. There should be eight of the ships, acquired by the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program.

Part of the new capabilities is a sensor suite that is quite powerful, allowing the cutter to detect ships from long distance. The ship is also capable of communicating well with other ships, planes, and agencies of the US government. In the past, all arms of the military and civilian government had trouble communicating because they bought different equipment and had different protocols. Great efforts have been made to make the ship part of the new emphasis on communication between agencies.

Captain Mike Haycock is impressed by the ship's maneuverability, quiet, and sensors.

Construction began in 2004 and the ship was christened in 2006. Workers from Grumman were on board when the tug boats set the ship free to go on her own power. Sailors and workers alike showed excitement and pride in the new ship. Still to come, after Machinery Trials, are Builder's Trials and Acceptance Trials, all of which are scheduled to be completed by early 2008.

The ship has a 4,300 ton displacement when fully loaded, is 418 feet long, has twin diesel gas turbine engines with twin screws and can reach 28 knots.

Two inflatable boats with rigid hulls can be launched aft, behind the flight deck.

It has very advanced command and control capabilities.

Also, the crew's quarters are more modern, taking into account that men and women will serve on board.

National Security Cutter, Northrop Grumman