Oct. 11, 2018 —
Crewmembers from Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast operate an over the horizon IV cutter boat (OTH IV) and prepare to launch a mini-boat off the coast of Baja, Mexico, March 2, 2018, as part of an international science project involving students from Oregon and Japan. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 103 OTH IVs, 93 have been delivered. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast.
The Coast Guard placed two delivery orders, worth a combined total of approximately $2.74 million with SAFE Boats International LLC of Bremerton, Washington, Sept. 27, for seven over the horizon IV (OTH IV) cutter boats. The orders include trailers and familiarization training.
This order brings the total number of OTH IVs ordered to 103; the seven under the most recent order are scheduled for delivery starting in early 2019. Two of the cutter boats are planned for the eighth national security cutter, Midgett, and the other five are slated for fast response cutters.
The OTH IV is the service’s standard cutter boat to prosecute over the horizon missions with two assigned to each national security cutter, and one assigned to each fast response cutter and medium endurance cutter. 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.
Ninety-three OTH IVs have been delivered. Assignments for the boats include the first seven national security cutters, the first 32 fast response cutters, and other legacy vessels such as medium endurance cutters.
For more information: Boat Acquisition Program page