Feb. 28, 2018 —
Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry crewmembers conduct a boarding from the cutter’s over the horizon IV boat in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off Hawaii on Dec. 19, 2017. The crew was on their first living marine resources patrol since the vessel’s commissioning in October. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The Coast Guard placed a delivery order worth approximately $2.31 million with SAFE Boats International LLC of Bremerton, Washington, for six over the horizon IV (OTH IV) cutter boats Feb. 13.
This brings the total number of OTH IVs ordered to 96. The six OTH IVs under the most recent order are scheduled for delivery later this year and will be deployed on board 210-foot and 270-foot medium endurance cutters.
The OTH IVs deploy from their cutters to deliver boarding teams to vessels of interest during search and rescue; law enforcement; ports, waterways and coastal security; and defense readiness missions. They are 26 feet long and have a top speed of 40 knots. Compared to earlier models, the boats feature increased cargo space and seating, higher speeds, and compatibility with both stern and side-davit launch and recovery systems.
Seventy-eight OTH IVs have been delivered, including boats for the first seven national security cutters and the first 28 fast response cutters.
For more information: Boat Acquisition Program page