Construction begins on new Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter [Video]

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Sparks flew and cheers erupted as the first cut of steel began construction of the newest offshore patrol cutter at Austal USA.

It was the first of many steel cuttings to come.

Austal today announced plans to build up to 11 offshore patrol cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Larry Rogers, vice president of business development and external affairs at Austal, said this is a milestone at the national and local level. He also said he expects this project will create 1,200 jobs over the next 14 to 16 months.

“I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing because it was a program that meant so much to so many jobs in the local community,” Rogers said.

Michael Campbell, director of acquisition programs for the Coast Guard, said, “We are super excited to be in partnership with Austal USA, and…we’re super excited about what this …