LOCKPORT, La., Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the USCGC OLIVER BERRY, the 24th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard took delivery on June 27, 2017 in Key West, Florida and the vessel’s commissioning is scheduled for October, 2017 in Honolulu.
Bollinger President & C.E.O. Ben Bordelon said, “We are extremely pleased to announce the delivery of the latest FRC, the USCGC OLIVER BERRY. This FRC built by Bollinger Shipyards will be the first to be stationed at U.S. Coast Guard District 14 in Honolulu, HI. Previous cutters have been stationed in Florida, San Juan, PR, Cape May, NJ and Ketchikan, Alaska. FRCs already in commission have seized multiple tons of narcotics, interdicted thousands of illegal aliens and saved many lives. The FRC program is a model program for government acquisition and has surpassed all historical quality benchmarks for vessels of this type and complexity. The results are the delivery of truly extraordinary Coast Guard cutters that will serve our Nation for decades to come. We are extremely proud that the Fast Response Cutters built by Louisiana craftsmen here at Bollinger Shipyards are having such a major impact on our nation’s security. We are looking forward to hearing of the heroic exploits of the USCGC OLIVER BERRY as it joins the Coast Guard’s operational fleet.”
The 154 foot patrol craft USCGC OLIVER BERRY is the 24th vessel in the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class FRC program. The FRC has been described as an operational “game changer,” by senior Coast Guard officials. To build the FRC, Bollinger used a proven, in-service parent craft design based on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708. It has a flank speed of 28 knots, state of the art command, control, communications and computer technology, and a stern launch system for the vessel’s 26 foot cutter boat.
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished him or herself in the line of duty. This vessel is named after Coast Guard Hero Oliver Berry. Berry, a distinguished expert mechanic on CG aircraft, was lead instructor at the first U.S. military helicopter training unit established in 1946. He received a letter of commendation from the commandant, Adm. Joseph F. Farley for his contribution to a 1946 rescue of airliner crash victims in Newfoundland, which required the rapid dismantling, air transport and reassembly of Coast Guard helicopters. Berry was commended for his meritorious service and the outstanding manner in which he performed his duties.
Bollinger Shipyards LLC (www.bollingershipyards.com) is a leading designer and builder of fast military patrol boats, ocean-going double hull barges, offshore oil field support vessels, tug boats, rigs, liftboats, inland waterways push boats, barges, and other steel and aluminum products from its new construction shipyards. Bollinger has 10 shipyards and all are strategically located throughout Louisiana with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Bollinger is the largest vessel repair company in the Gulf of Mexico region.