Island Class Patrol Boat - Conversion Problems

Conversion Problems

As built, these vessels were all 110 feet (34 m) in length. In 2002 as part of the Integrated Deepwater System Program, the USCG began refitting these vessels, adding 13 feet (4.0 m) to the stern to make room for a high-speed stern launching ramp, and replacing the superstructure so that these vessels had enough room to accommodate mixed gender crews. The refit added about 15 tons to the vessel's displacement, and reduced its maximum speed by approximately one knot.

In 2005, then-Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thomas H. Collins made the decision to stop the contractor’s conversion at eight hulls when sea trials revealed intractable structural flaws.

In August 2006, a Lockheed Martin engineer went public with allegations that the company and the Coast Guard were ignoring serious security flaws in the refitting project, and that they were likely to repeat the same mistakes on similar projects. The flaws included blind spots in watch cameras, FLIR equipment not suitable for operating under extreme temperatures, and the use of non-shielded cables in secure communications systems, a violation of TEMPEST standards.

In late November 2006 all eight of the 123' WPBs were taken out of service due to debilitating problems with their hulls. These as well as other issues - such as C4ISR problems - drove the program $60 million over budget, triple the original bid for the eight boats converted. The 41 unmodified 110's are now being pressed harder to take up the slack.

• USCG Sanibel moored in Boston Harbor

• USCG Matagorda. Note the Short Range Prosecutor launch on the rear launching ramp

• Four WPBs transported to the Mediterranean aboard MV BBC Spain

• USCGC Ocracoke, leaving Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, 12 May 2008.

• USCGC Anacapa sinks adrift Ryou-Un Maru fishing vessel, 5 April 2012.