March 29, 2018 —
The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 28th fast response cutter (FRC), Nathan Bruckenthal, in Key West, Florida, today.
The cutter will be the second FRC stationed in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The ship is slated for commissioning in July.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, the cutter’s namesake, was mortally wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bruckenthal intercepted a suicide attack while attempting to board and investigate a boat in the North Arabian Gulf. He alerted nearby security forces of a larger coordinated attack, helping avoid further loss of life and other damages. For his actions, Bruckenthal was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
The Sentinel-class FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; the ability to launch and recover cutter boats from astern or via side davits; and improved seakeeping and habitability. Each FRC is 154 feet long, features an endurance of five days and can reach a maximum speed of over 28 knots.
The Coast Guard has ordered 44 of the 58 FRCs planned. Twenty-six are in service: 12 in Florida, six in Puerto Rico, two in Alaska, two in New Jersey, two in Mississippi and two in Hawaii. Future FRC homeports include San Pedro, California, and Galveston, Texas.
For more information: Fast Response Cutter Program page