Eastern Lays Feel for Second Offshore Patrol Cutter
Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.
(Image: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) on Monday held a keel authentication ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard’s future Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), USCGC Chase (WMSM-916), at its Nelson Street facility in Panama City, Fla.
The 360-foot vessel is the second of the Heritage-class OPC being built by Eastern to replace the Coast Guard's 210-foot and 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters. The series' first vessel, USCGC Argus, is scheduled to be delivered in 2022.
“Here at Eastern we start each day with the recognition that we are building a new era of cutters for the young women and men of the United States Coast Guard who will sail in them on critical National Security missions for decades to come. From our 1,300 family members to your nearly 60,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian workforce… our pledge remains the same – these cutters will always get you home,” ESG President Joey D’Isernia said at Monday's ceremony.