Security affecting new Coast Guard fleet

WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Coast Guard officials Tuesday disputed claims in an article published by The Washington Times that faulty radios delayed the launch of its newest cutter.

The Times reported Tuesday that "faulty radios" installed on its new 418-foot USCGC Bertholf pushed its projected launch of February into the summer because its radio systems were susceptible to eavesdropping by drug traffickers.

Northrop Grumman developed the Bertholf's software and other systems as part of the $25 billion "Deepwater" plan to boost the counter-terrorism capabilities of the Coast Guard fleet, but the program has been hit with technical problems, budget concerns and various scandals.

Coast Guard officials acknowledged the program had many "challenges" in the past but said the U.S. government officially accepted the cutter for operation Monday.

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore admitted there were issues with the Bertholf's ability to fully utilize its classified systems, noting the ship was cleared for deployment but not fully mission capable.

The ship is expected to undergo instrument testing in late April or early May and Blore said a time frame determining the ability to go completely online could be assessed at that time.

When asked about the allegations that the radio system on the Bertholf was the cause of the launch delay, Blore emphatically stated "no."