Fifth new Coast Guard cutter readied for acceptance trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 8 (UPI) -- A new National Security Cutter for the U.S. Coast Guard begins acceptance trials later this month following successful builder's trials in the Gulf of Mexico.

The vessel is the James (WMSL 754), the fifth Legend-class cutter, which is replacing 1960s-era Hamilton-class cutters. It was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

"Our Ingalls/Coast Guard team worked tirelessly during the three days [of builder's trials], and the ship performed well," said Richard Schenk, Ingalls' vice president of program management and test and trials. "The Ingalls operating crew performed more than 180 events and handled each one with the utmost professionalism. It is obvious to all who sailed on builder's trials that NSC 5 is ready for her acceptance trials at the end of April."

The builder's trials involved extensive testing of the cutter's propulsion, electrical, and damage control systems, as well as its anchor handling, small boat operations and combat systems.

Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered four of the new 418-foot long Legend-class cutters to the Coast Guard. Two cutters – in addition to the James – are under construction. The company was contracted recently to build an eighth cutter.