The US Coast Guard has recently fortified its fleet with the addition of its 59th Sentinel-class fast response cutter, officially designated as the USCGC Earl Cunningham (WPC-1159). This momentous delivery was made by Bollinger Shipyards in Florida and marks an important milestone in the ongoing modernization effort initiated under a program established in 2008. The initiative aims to replace the Coast Guard’s aging patrol boats, particularly the Island-class vessels that have been in service since the 1980s.
The USCGC Earl Cunningham will serve a crucial role in the Coast Guard’s operations, becoming the second of three Sentinel-class cutters designated for stationing in Kodiak, Alaska. Following its deployment, the cutter is scheduled to be transferred to a new facility currently under construction in Seward, Alaska, which will serve as a future homeport for additional Sentinel cutters once completed.
The vessel is named in honor of Earl Cunningham, a distinguished guardsman who received the Gold Life Saving Medal for his heroic efforts in rescuing stranded fishermen on Lake Michigan in 1936, all while off duty. This naming serves to highlight the dedication and bravery that the Coast Guard embodies.
In terms of specifications, the Sentinel fast response cutter measures 47 meters (154 feet) in length and has a width of 8 meters (26 feet), making it a versatile platform for various maritime missions. Each cutter is powered by two MTU engines, delivering a combined 11,600 horsepower, in addition to a single bow thruster offering 101 horsepower for enhanced maneuverability. The design allows for deployments lasting up to five days at sea while achieving speeds in excess of 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour).
Furthermore, the USCGC Earl Cunningham can accommodate over 20 crew members and has provisions for small boats, reflecting its adaptability for a wide range of maritime operations. The vessel is also equipped for enhanced armament, allowing for the integration of crew-served shipboard machine guns or mounted heavy machine guns, ensuring readiness for various mission profiles.
The Coast Guard’s fleet enhancement effort is ongoing, with more deliveries anticipated as it works towards completing a total of 67 hulls under its Sentinel fleet contract with Bollinger Shipyards. Prior to the arrival of the Cunningham, the 58th Sentinel-class cutter, the USCGC John Witherspoon (WPC-1158), was accepted by the Coast Guard in Key West, Florida, in November of the previous year.
