Austal USA has started construction of the third Heritage-class offshore patrol cutter for the US Coast Guard at its shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel, which will become USCGC Ingham (WMSM-917), is part of a $3.3 billion program covering the construction of up to 11 cutters.The Heritage-class vessels are being introduced to replace the Coast Guard’s aging Famous- and Reliance-class patrol cutters. The new ships are expected to provide improved endurance, mobility, command capabilities, and mission flexibility for operations in coastal and open-ocean environments.Austal is using modular construction techniques to improve production efficiency. Individual ship modules can be manufactured and outfitted with equipment before they are brought together during final assembly. The shipbuilder is also employing a virtual three-dimensional digital twin throughout the design and construction process to support engineering and improve production accuracy.Once completed, USCGC Ingham will be stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. From there, the cutter will be able to conduct independent missions or operate as part of a larger task group. Its responsibilities are expected to include command and control, border security, maritime protection, and humanitarian assistance across both open-water and littoral environments.Heritage-Class CapabilitiesThe Heritage-class cutter measures approximately 360 feet in length and has a beam of 54 feet. The vessel can accommodate three rigid-hull inflatable boats, a medium-sized helicopter, an unmanned aerial system, and more than 120 personnel.Propulsion is provided by two Fairbanks Morse diesel engines producing a combined 9,760 horsepower, supported by four additional diesel generators. The cutter can reach a maximum speed of about 23 knots, equivalent to roughly 43 km/h.It has a range of approximately 10,200 nautical miles and can remain operational for up to 60 days without requiring major logistical support. Its weapons suite includes a 57mm naval automatic gun, 25mm and 12.7mm machine guns, and a 7.62mm coaxial weapon, providing defensive and maritime security capabilities.
