Northrop-Grumman Begins Work On Maritime Security Cutter

Released on Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Under the US Coast Guard's Deepwater program, Northrop-Grumman has been awarded a $250 million contract for production and long lead material of the first Maritime Security Cutter, Large (WMSL), formerly known as the National Security Cutter (NSC).

The Maritime Security Cutter is an advanced, highly capable, long endurance Cutter that shares common design team, training, logistics and systems with other two classes of cutters being developed for the US Coast Guard. This approach will lead to additional savings in the development and construction of the Fast Response Cutter (FRC) and the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).

The lead Maritime Security Cutter ship will be manufactured at Northrop-Grumman's Pascagoula Shipyard. Construction will begin in September 2004 with the keel laying to follow in April 2005. Entry into service of the first WMSL is expected for 2007.

The WMSL will be a 421-foot vessel with a 4,112-ton displacement at full load, and powered by twin-screw combined diesel and gas (CODAG) turbine power propulsion system capable of cruising at a maximum speed of 28 knots. The ship will also include a flight deck for manned and unmanned rotary wing aircraft, state-of-the-art command and control electronics and an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats.

Under the multi-billion, multi-year Deepwater procurement program the US Coast Guard could take delivery of up to 91 new-built cutters of the three classes currently under development.