US Coast Guard’s national security cutter Munro completes acceptance trials

The US Coast Guard’s (USCG) sixth National Security Cutter (NSC), Munro (WMSL 755), has successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico.

Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division, Munro spent two full days in the Gulf of Mexico to prove its systems.

Ingalls Shipbuilding president Brian Cuccias said: “Once again Ingalls shipbuilders have shown the benefits of a hot production line.

“Munro is the sixth NSC we have built for the United States Coast Guard, and the ship accomplished a successful sea trial.

“Our shipbuilders are proud to provide the United States Coast Guard with the most technologically advanced ships that help keep Coast Guard men and women safe as they defend our shores.”

Ingalls’ test and trial team along with the US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), which was present on board the ship, conducted tests on the propulsion, electrical, damage control, anchor-handling and combat systems during the sea trials.

The Ingalls’ test and trials team conducted the trial with full-power propulsion run on Munro.

Ingalls Coast Guard programme manager Derek Murphy said: “In three years’ time, our shipbuilders have transformed steel, cables, pipe and raw materials into a highly capable, state-of-the-art National Security Cutter that will protect the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.

“Our shipbuilders continue to raise the standard of fit and finish and quality of each ship.”

Ingalls has already delivered five NSCs to the USCG and is currently building three more, including Munro that is set for delivery before the end of the year.

Kimball (WMSL 756) is scheduled for delivery in 2018 and Midgett (WMSL 757) in 2019.