Bollinger Shipyards has officially delivered the 61st Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the US Coast Guard (USCG) during a ceremony in Key West, Florida. The newly commissioned vessel, named USCGC Olivia Hooker (WPC 1161), will be stationed in Pascagoula, Mississippi, alongside the USCGC Benjamin B. Dailey (WPC 1123) and USCGC Jacob Poroo (WPC 1125).
The milestone delivery follows a major USCG contract awarded to Bollinger for the construction of 10 additional FRCs, valued at $1 billion under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This latest award expands the total number of vessels in the FRC program to 77, extending ship production by approximately three years beyond the initial 2028 schedule.
According to the US Maritime Administration, the FRC initiative has already contributed over $2 billion in material spending and created more than 650 direct jobs in Southeast Louisiana, with an estimated 1,700 indirect jobs supported through its supply chain and services network.
First launched in 2012, the Sentinel-class cutters were developed to replace the aging Island-class patrol boats, enhancing Coast Guard operations in national defense, law enforcement, maritime security, and border protection. Measuring 47 meters (154 feet), each vessel can host a 20-person crew and is equipped with surface and aerial sensors, IFF systems, and a 25mm remote weapon system along with crew-served machine guns. Powered by twin MTU engines generating 5,800 horsepower and a 1,010-hp bow thruster, the cutter achieves speeds exceeding 28 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles, ensuring extended patrol capabilities.
