National Security Cutter Bertholf
First of a New Class of Large Coast Guard Cutters is Launched
Feb 13, 2008
The first National Security Cutter (NSC) developed under the U. S. Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Program was launched in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Christened the Bertholf, this vessel is the flagship of a new class of large cutters being built for the changing needs of the Coast Guard.
Bertholf is the first of eight advanced multi-mission cutters in the new Legend Class to be constructed. It will provide improved capability and technology for the maritime service. At 125.2 meters (418 feet) in length, it will be the largest patrol cutter ever used by the agency. After completing sea trials, the Berftholf will be commissioned by the Coast Guard and homeported in Alameda, California.
Operational Improvements - Legend Class cutters will lead in the modernization of the Coast Guard's operational fleet. Bertholf enjoys greater mission endurance, improved weapon systems, larger flight decks, and better communications equipment than its predecessors. Vast improvements have been made to intelligence and hazardous materials detection systems.
In an official press release, Rear Admiral Ron Rábago says, "I have nearly nine years of sea-duty and I wish I could roll back the clock and serve aboard this cutter when she becomes operational. As Bertholf completes her pre-delivery testing, we are very excited about the capabilities that this ship is going to bring to the Coast Guard."
National Security Cutter Characteristics - These are the overall specifications for the NSC as of March 2007:
- Cutter Dimensions - Overall length of 125.2 meters (418 feet) and a draft of 6.42 meters (21 feet)
- Displacement and Deck Area - Fully loaded the Bertholf will displace 4,306 tons, carry 659 tons of fuel and has a deck area of 5,029 square meters (54,139 square feet)
- Propulsion - Two 9,665 horsepower diesel and one 30,565 horsepower gas turbine engine will drive two 4.27 meter (14 foot) controllable pitch propellers at 231 RPM
- Electric Plant - Three 1360 kilowatt ship service generators
- Ship Performance - Bertholf has a planned maximum sustained speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles and 60 day endurance
- Berthing - 148 personnel
- Boat Facilities - NSC has a stern launch ramp that can carry two small craft and a starboard davit
- Weapons - Suite includes a MK 110 57mm naval gun, a close-in weapon system (CIWS) and a MK 53 Nulka decoy launching system
- Electronics - Bertholf will carry surface search, navigation, 3D air search, and fire control radars. Communications will include HF, VHF and UHF radios and radio direction finder equipment
Bertholf is one of many new operational platforms being developed by the Coast Guard. Other recent launches include the new Ocean Sentry HC-144 aircraft and a newly re-engined HC-65 helicopter.
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