(LOCKPORT, La.) — Bollinger Shipyards has delivered U.S. Coast Guard cutter (USCGC) John Witherspoon at Coast Guard Sector Key West. This is the 58th fast response cutter (FRC) delivered under the Coast Guard’s current program and the 184th vessel built by Bollinger for the service over a 40-year partnership. It will be home-ported in Kodiak, Alaska.
“We are honored to deliver John Witherspoon to the U.S. Coast Guard, continuing our proud tradition of providing high-quality, mission-ready vessels,” said Bollinger President and CEO Ben Bordelon. “The FRC platform has proven itself time and again as a cornerstone of the Coast Guard’s fleet, excelling in a wide range of operational conditions. We’re confident John Witherspoon will serve its crew well in their mission of defending our nation’s national security interests over a vast and challenging area of responsibility.”
John Witherspoon is the fourth FRC to join the fleet in Alaskan waters, reinforcing maritime security and bolstering the Coast Guard’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats and protect vital infrastructure.
The Coast Guard’s fiscal year 2025 budget to Congress includes procuring two more FRCs to provide increased Coast Guard presence and engagement with allied countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
As negotiations on federal appropriations continue, the future of the FRC program holds significant weight for both national security and the economy. The House of Representatives has approved funding for four additional FRCs in its defense appropriations bill, providing a boost to the Coast Guard’s fleet expansion. However, the Senate has yet to reach a consensus on future funding levels for the FRC program, leaving the long-term prospects for the program and the over 600 jobs that it supports in Lockport, La., uncertain.
“With over 600 jobs at our Lockport facility hanging in the balance, we’re not just building ships – we’re supporting families and communities throughout south Louisiana,” Bordelon said. “Congress has long supported the FRC program for its essential role in defending our coastline, but also for the livelihoods it sustains in our community. We are hopeful that these efforts will continue to receive robust bipartisan, bicameral support as Congress finalizes appropriations.”
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. This vessel is named after Capt. John Witherspoon, who served as commanding officer of cutters Mallow, Valiant and Dependable. Notably, he was the first African American officer to command a shore unit when he assumed command of the Houston/Galveston Vessel Traffic Service.
Upon taking command of Mallow in 1982, Witherspoon became the second African American officer to command a Coast Guard cutter. His legacy is further honored through the Capt. John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award, which recognizes officers who exemplify inspirational leadership, mentorship and dedication to Coast Guard values. Witherspoon upheld the highest traditions of the Coast Guard as an inspirational role model and mentor for Coast Guard men and women.
The FRC is an operational “game changer,” according to senior Coast Guard officials. FRCs are consistently being deployed in support of the full range of missions within the Coast Guard and other branches of the armed services. This is due to its exceptional performance, expanded operational reach and capabilities, and ability to transform and adapt to the mission.
FRCs have conducted operations as far as the Marshall Islands – a 4,400-nautical-mile trip from their home port. Measuring 154 feet, FRCs have a flank speed of 28 knots, state of the art C4ISR suite (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), and stern launch and recovery ramp for a 26-foot, over-the-horizon interceptor cutter boat.
– Bollinger Shipyards
