Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the 61st Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the US Coast Guard, marking another key milestone in the long-running modernization program. The vessel, named USCGC Olivia Hooker (WPC 1161), was handed over at Key West, Florida, and will soon be based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, joining the USCGC Benjamin B. Dailey and USCGC Jacob Poroo in the Gulf Coast fleet.
This handover comes on the heels of a new $1 billion contract awarded to Bollinger for 10 additional cutters, expanding the overall FRC program to 77 vessels and extending its completion timeline to beyond 2028. The expansion reinforces the Coast Guard’s commitment to maintaining fleet readiness and expanding patrol coverage across US maritime zones.
The US Maritime Administration reports that the FRC program has had a major economic impact, generating $2 billion in materials spending and supporting more than 650 direct jobs in Southeast Louisiana, in addition to 1,700 indirect positions throughout the region.
Introduced in 2012, the Sentinel-class patrol boats were designed to replace the Island-class cutters, bringing modern performance and multi-mission versatility to the USCG fleet. Each cutter measures 47 meters in length, can carry up to 20 crew members, and features advanced navigation sensors, surveillance equipment, and a 25mm weapon station backed by multiple machine guns. Powered by twin MTU 5,800-horsepower engines and a 1,010-hp bow thruster, the ship can reach 28 knots and cover 2,500 nautical miles, making it ideal for extended patrol and interception missions.
