Detyens Shipyards to help Gallatin, Dallas get shipshape

The Coast Guard's Atlantic commander called two Charleston-based cutters the most capable in the national fleet, but both ships docked months ago, too deteriorated to chase drug runners or deliver humanitarian supplies.

Cutters Dallas and Gallatin both move to Detyens Shipyards on the Cooper River on Monday, where they will receive up to $15 million in repairs over the next six months. That leaves only 10 ships, all based in the Pacific Ocean, in their class of the largest, 378-foot cutters.

Presiding over a change-of-command ceremony for the Gallatin, Vice Adm. Robert Papp Jr. told its crew, "I'm going to ask you to dedicate yourselves to making the ship the absolute best that you can."

Though designed to last 25 years, both ships entered service more than 40 years ago. Officials noticed problems with the Gallatin after it finished a counter-drug patrol off the coast of Colombia. The Dallas returned from deployment in Africa, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea looking even worse.

Through corroded holes, water seeped into compartments over the years, wearing down major structural components of the ships. The cutters also need mechanical repairs to piping and ventilation systems, antennae and weapons systems.

Papp said the Coast Guard chose Detyens after a "robust" bidding process. The improvements could tack another decade onto the cutters' service lives.

"We're happy for these ships and the Charleston community," he said.

While at Detyens, including a period in dry dock, some crewmembers from both ships will remain on board, he said, adding, "It's not just the shipyard doing work."

Crew will help make repairs, and others will train onboard throughout the dock time. Some will train on other ships during the overhaul.

Normally, both ships are deployed six months out of the year, when in working order. Each carries a crew of 165.

Eventually, eight national security cutters will replace the 12 existing 378-foot cutters, according to Papp, as part of the Coast Guard's controversial Deepwater program. Government audits have heaped criticism on the program, which began in 2002 and aims to replace all Coast Guard ships and aircraft over 20 years.

"It's tough to get the shipbuilding money, but we're hopeful," Papp said. He said the country's current emphasis on defense makes a good case for the spending.

The Dallas and the Gallatin intercept drug shipments and rescue wayward refugees hoping to float from their native countries to the U.S. They also enforce fishing regulations and conduct homeland security missions.

When Russia invaded the country of Georgia, Dallas was the first ship to bring in humanitarian supplies. Gallatin spent two months in New Orleans salvaging schools after Hurricane Katrina.

"These ships are showing the battle scars of 40 years of service," said Capt. John Davis, who took over as Gallatin commanding officer Friday.

Davis replaced Capt. Robert Wagner, commanding officer of the Dallas, who assumed control of both ships after Papp announced a loss of confidence in previous Gallatin commanding officer Mike Christian. Davis said his primary goal in his new assignment is getting the ship mission-ready by fall.

Addressing his new crew, Davis pointed out that Friday marked the first day of spring.

"It represents a change in seasons," he said, "and a change in seasons on Coast Guard cutter Gallatin."