“We are pleased to receive these contract options for long lead-time materials in support of the US Coast Guard’s OPC program,” commented Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “These early awards speak to the strong partnership that has developed between the Coast Guard and Austal USA teams. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership and deliver these much-needed cutters.”
Work on Austal USA’s first OPC, Pickering (WMSMS 919), is well underway, with the keel laying planned for December. Construction began on Icarus (WMSMS 920) in early August.
The 360-foot OPC will support the national security strategy for maintaining the nation’s economic, social, environmental, and military security mission areas. The OPC will typically conduct its primary missions beyond 12 nautical miles from shore and will be employed anywhere the national interests require the Coast Guard’s unique blend of authorities and capabilities. OPC will provide the majority of the Coast Guard’s offshore presence, conducting a variety of missions including law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, and search and rescue.
With a range of 10,200 nautical miles at 14 knots and a 60-day endurance period, each OPC will be capable of deploying independently or as part of task groups, serving as a mobile command and control platform for surge operations such as hurricane response, mass migration incidents, and other events. The cutters will also support Arctic objectives by helping regulate and protect emerging commerce and energy exploration in Alaska.
