Huntington Ingalls delivers security cutter Munro to U.S. Coast Guard

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Ingalls Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has delivered the National Security Cutter Munro to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The event marks the delivery of the sixth Legend-class National Security Cutter for the branch, and precedes two additional deliveries slated for 2018 and 2019. Huntington officials called the delivery a milestone for their contractural obligations for the Coast Guard.

"Three years ago, this ship consisted of nothing more than steel plates, raw pipe and bundled wire," program manager Derek Murphy said in a press release. "Since then, we've seen an amazing transformation, made possible by the thousands of people who poured their heart and soul into this ship."

National Security Cutters, or NSCs, are vessels used by the Coast Guard for rescuing swimmers, fishery protection, and maritime homeland security missions. The ships can also be used to support counter-terrorism and mine warfare operations.

The Legend-class variants feature increased data bandwidth, and are equipped with the same electronic warfare system used by the U.S. Navy's DDG 51 destroyers as well as a variety of weapons. The vessels measure 418 feet long, displace 4,500 tons, and can reach a top speed of 28 knots.

"National Security Cutters are a great benefit to the Coast Guard because they have the capabilities to fulfill missions while acting independently offshore," Munro commanding officer Thomas King added.

Munro is scheduled to set sail in February, and will be commissioned in Seattle in April 2017.