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The Coast Guard on Sept. 18, 2025, contracted with L3 Harris Technologies Inc. for delivery of three AN/APY-11 multi-mode radar systems, valued at $13.9 million, to be installed on future HC-130Js during the Minotaur missionization process. 

The Coast Guard’s HC-130J fleet marked a major milestone on July 8, 2025, surpassing 100,000 flight hours since the first HC-130J was delivered to the service in 2003. Reaching 100,000 flight hours demonstrates the exceptional reliability and operational value of the HC-130J fleet. 

The Coast Guard accepted delivery of its 18th C-130J long range surveillance aircraft on Jan. 30, 2025, from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia. The aircraft was delivered in its baseline form; in March it will enter a year-long process to outfit it with the specialized equipment needed to conduct the Coast Guard’s varied missions. 

Video: HC-130H Departure Marks End of an Era

 

Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco enters San Francisco Bay during the 6,200-mile trip from Key West, Florida, to its homeport in Ketchikan, Alaska, April 28, 2017. The cutter is the second fast response cutter based in Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Acquisition Update: Coast Guard Exercises Contract Option For FRCs 39-44

June 16, 2017

The Coast Guard awarded a $289 million contract option to Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, Louisiana, June 9 for the production of six more fast response cutters (FRCs). This option award brings FRCs 39-44 under contract with Bollinger. The current FRC contract contains options for up to 58 cutters and is worth $1.5 billion if all options are exercised.

 

The Coast Guard is acquiring 58 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. The cutters are designed for multiple missions, including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense.

 

Twenty-two FRCs are in service, with six stationed in Miami; six in Key West, Florida; six in San Juan, Puerto Rico; two in Cape May, New Jersey; and two in Ketchikan, Alaska. Future FRC homeports include: Pascagoula, Mississippi; Atlantic Beach, North Carolina; San Pedro, California; and Honolulu.

 

For more information: Fast Response Cutter program page