USCG Cutter Chandeleur completes refit programme

The US Coast Guard’s (USGC) 110ft-long Island-class patrol boat, Chandeleur (WPB-1319) has completed refit programme at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, US.

Upgrades to Chandeleur include the replacement of hull plating, tanks, piping, and electrical wiring; renewal of decks; rehabilitation of berthing spaces, and installation of new prototype equipment such as switchboards and generator sets.

Following the completion of significant modernization and maintenance period, the vessel has been transferred to Juneau, Alaska, US, to perform the essential missions of a region with right assets in the right place.

Capable of carrying a crew of 18, the boat will be deployed with the Atlantic fleet to support the regional response capabilities of the service in Southeast Alaska and will be homeported in Miami, Florida, US.

The Island-class boat features a range of sea keeping capabilities and has replaced the older 95ft-long Cape-class patrol boats.

The Cape-class patrol boats have been constructed in late 1980s and are equipped with advanced electronics and navigation equipment.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau commander Captain Scott Bornemann said, "This platform will help preserve our ability to safeguard mariners in Southeast Alaska."

Commissioned in 1988, Chandeleur is assigned to the Coast Guard 17th District while the modernisation programme will improve the reliability and enhance Chandeleur’s mission effectiveness.