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2008

National Security Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) Commissioned
The U.S. Coast Guard reached another major milestone in its ongoing recapitalization efforts on August 4, 2008 when it formally commissioned the first National Security Cutter, USCGC BERTHOLF (WMSL 750) at her homeport of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif. Photos l Christening Ceremony Video

Crew, Visitors Give Bertholf Rave Reviews during Baltimore Port Visit
July 2008 - BALTIMORE, June 28—The crew of the fi rst National Security Cutter, Bertholf (WMSL 750), displayed an infectious enthusiasm as they guided Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offi cials, congressional staff and members of the public around their ship during a two-day port call
here.

National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) Christened
July 29, 2008 - July 26, 2008 marked an important milestone in the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter (NSC) project as it christened the second cutter of the class, Waesche (WMSL 751).

Second National Security Cutter Christened
July 26, 2008 - WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard christened its second National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751), Saturday, during a ceremony at the Northrop Grumman Ship Building yard in Pascagoula, Miss.

Coast Guard's Newest Cutter To Arrive Home
July 21, 2008 - ALAMEDA, Calif. - The U.S. Coast Guard's first National Security Cutter, Bertholf, is scheduled to arrive at its home port at Coast Guard Island here for the first time Wednesday at 11 a.m., as the final destination of its homecoming tour.

National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751) Floats Off
July 14, 2008 - The U.S. Coast Guard is pleased to announce today that the second National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751) floated off its building site on July 11, 2008.

First National Security Cutter Delivered to Coast Guard
May 8, 2008 - WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard conducted preliminary acceptance (delivery) of its first National Security Cutter, BERTHOLF (WMSL 750), today in Pascagoula, Miss.

Update: Interim Certification Granted for Bertholf's Aviation Facility"
On May 29, 2008, interim certification was granted for the Bertholf's aviation facility after meeting the performance requirements for aviation capabilities. It will expire when the cutter enters the post-shakedown availability.

Protecting National Security – High Priority For National Security Cutter
February 25,2008 - The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter (NSC) is nearing completion at Pascagoula, MS, shipyard.

Acquisition Update: NSC 1 Builder Trials (Photos, video)
February 12, 2008 - Following another productive series of at-sea tests called Builder’s Trials, the Coast Guard’s assessment of the National Security Cutter project remains very positive. Builder’s Trials consisted of in-port tests of Bertholf, Feb. 6-7, and underway testing, Feb. 8-11, off Pascagoula, Miss.

Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rábago, Program Executive Officer, Reports on NSC Builder Trials
February 8-11, 2008 - Over the weekend I spent time aboard Bertholf, the first National Security Cutter, off Pascagoula, Miss. for Builder’s Trials. This is a significant at-sea testing event that demonstrated progress toward our preparation for Acceptance Trials and then Delivery.

Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, Patrol Aircraft Complete Milestone Journey
February 11, 2008 - The U. S. Coast Guard's first-in-class national security cutter will complete its builder trials shortly, after successfully operating in concert with the service's new maritime patrol aircraft, the Ocean Sentry HC-144, and a newly re-engined HC-65 helicopter.

2007

Coast Guard, Industry Conclude 'Extremely Productive' Sea Trial of National Security Cutter, Delivering the Goods
December 2007 - In December, the Coast Guard’s acquisition and operations communities anticipated with great excitement Machinery Trials (MT) for Bertholf, the first of the new class of National Security Cutters (NSC).

All Threats, All Hazards: the Cutter Bertholf readies for Sea Trials
September 25, 2007 - It is a moment that every shipbuilding team looks forward to with anticipation, and a little trepidation: the date of delivery.

Coast Guard, Industry Team Put Finishing Touches on Cutter Bertholf & Apply Lessons Learned to Sister Ship, Waesche
September 25, 2007 - Inside the new ship, rare jets of chilled air from cooling units bolted to the weather deck above are the only practical respite from the stifling Mississippi heat.

A Fair Deal: Under a New Contract, the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter Project Moves Forward
September 25, 2007 - The stories on Aug. 8, 2007, read: “Coast Guard and industry agree to $592 million contract for the National Security Cutter (NSC) project.” The news reflected that the NSC would proceed under a fresh agreement on cost, and the resolution of contractual and technical issues. But what did it take for the Coast Guard and industry to achieve their goal of strengthening relationships and pressing on with this crucial shipbuilding project?

Coast Guard Awards Contract for Third National Security Cutter
August 8, 2007 - In a consolidated contractual action, the Coast Guard today awarded Integrated Coast Guard Systems $337 million for construction of the third national security cutter, along with $255 million for continuation of construction for the first two national security cutters.

Engineering for Human Performance a Key Element of Deepwater NSC Platform Design
May 30, 2007 - The Coast Guard is embracing human performance as a key parameter in the engineering design and development of new platforms, such as the National Security Cutter (NSC). The approach carries significant implications for personnel, program cost, schedule and operational capability –and potential rewards in safer, more effective and more efficient equipment for the fleet.

Government, Industry Communication Key to Strengthening Shipbuilding Programs
May 30, 2007 - The government and the private sector must work together to overcome the challenges and opportunities facing the United States’ shipbuilding industry, including managing costs and increasing productivity. Senior leadership in the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy have underscored the importance of strengthening communication between government and industry as a significant factor in overcoming these challenges.

2006

“An Exciting Time for the Coast Guard”: Gulf Coast Facility Assists Crewmembers Reporting to New Deepwater Cutters, Deepwater News
December 2006 - The Coast Guard’s Gulf Coast Primary Crew Assembly Facility (PCAF), commissioned just four months ago, is already planning to sharpen its focus during 2007 to support crew members reporting to Pascagoula, Miss., to accept new cutters delivered to the Coast Guard as part of the Deepwater Program.

First National Security Cutter Christened, Deepwater News
November 2006 - The Deepwater Program’s progressive modernization and recapitalization of the Coast Guard’s aging legacy fleet marked a significant milestone on Veterans Day when the first of eight national security cutters was christened Bertholf (WMSL 750) at the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

Coast Guard-Industry Collaboration Guides Construction of Bertholf, Deepwater News
November 2006 - A spirit of collaboration between the Coast Guard and its industry partners is often touted as fundamental to the success of the Integrated Deepwater System’s long-term acquisition strategy and current contract with Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

Keel Laying for National Security Cutter Waesche, Deepwater News
Sept/Oct 2006 - Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore, program executive officer of the Integrated Deepwater System, initials the keel plate for the National Security Cutter (NSC) Waesche (WMSL 751), during the cutter's keel laying ceremony at Northrop Grumman's shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., Sept. 11, 2006.

Coast Guard Establishes New Command on the Gulf Coast
August 29, 2006 - The Coast Guard stood up a new unit located in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the Gulf Coast Primary Crew Assembly Facility (PCAF).

NSC Rotational Crewing Concept Approved, Deepwater News
March 2006 - The excitement was palpable in the inaugural crew when detailers recently issued 50 orders to Maritime Security Cutter Large (WMSL) Crew Alpha – Alameda, Calif.

More Acquisition News

Media Contacts

Ms. Laura Williams
Director of Communications
Acquisition Directorate (CG-9)
Suite 1100
1900 Half Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
Office: 202-475-3116
Laura.A.Williams@uscg.mil