USCG Island class: Difference between revisions

From Citizendium
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>George Swan
(fix refs)
imported>Sean Plankey
mNo edit summary
Line 14: Line 14:


Initially the first eight vessels to be modernized were described as a success.
Initially the first eight vessels to be modernized were described as a success.
But later it emerged that the lengthened stern were structurally unsound, and the converted vessels were unseaworthy.<ref name=ThadAllen123Failure>
But later it emerged that the lengthened stern were structurally unsound, and the converted vessels were unseaworthy.<ref name=ThadAllen123Failure>  
{{cite news
{{cite news
| url=https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/786/154307/
| url=https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/786/154307/
Line 45: Line 45:
The conversion had also gone several multiples over-budget.
The conversion had also gone several multiples over-budget.
In 2007 the Coast Guard took over direct control of the Deepwater Program from the  
In 2007 the Coast Guard took over direct control of the Deepwater Program from the  
Prime Contractor.<ref name=DefenseIndustryDaily20070418>
Prime Contractor.  All current 123' cutters are now still in commission, but out of service.<ref name=DefenseIndustryDaily20070418>
{{cite news
{{cite news
| url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/us-coast-guard-taking-over-lead-role-for-deepwater-program-03215/
| url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/us-coast-guard-taking-over-lead-role-for-deepwater-program-03215/

Revision as of 17:40, 14 July 2008

This article is a stub and thus not approved.
Main Article
Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
 
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.
(PD) Photo: Michael Anderson / USCG
United States Coast Guard Island class Cutter Chandeleur, one of the unmodified 110 foot vessels.
(PD) Photo: Jonathan McCool / USCG
USCG Matagorda, the first Island class cutter to be modernized. The yellow rails on the stern enclose the rear launching ramp. A door covers its opening, where the ship's name can be seen.

The United States Coast Guard Island class of cutters included approximately five dozen vessels. As originally built these vessels were crewed with sixteen personnel, were armed with a 25mm autocannon, and were capable of speeds of approximately thirty knots.

Following al Qaeda's attacks on September 11, 2001, a plan called "Project Deepwater" was to modernize and re-equip the Coast Guard's fleet. The Island class cutters were to be lengthened from 110 to 123 feet.

The crew accommodation were to be modernized to comply with a new policy for all cutters to accommodate crews of mixed sex.

The lengthening was designed so the vessels could launch and retrieve a water-jet propelled rigid-hull infatable Short Range Prosecutor high speed pursuit boat, without coming to a halt first.

Initially the first eight vessels to be modernized were described as a success. But later it emerged that the lengthened stern were structurally unsound, and the converted vessels were unseaworthy.[1][2][3] The conversion had also gone several multiples over-budget. In 2007 the Coast Guard took over direct control of the Deepwater Program from the Prime Contractor. All current 123' cutters are now still in commission, but out of service.[4]

Forty-nine of the original Island class vessels remain in active service. The unmodified vessels still have to come to a halt to launch a boat.

References