The Gulf Sentry is one of FWC’s Endurance Class Off-shore Patrol vessels and the largest in the fleet at 85 ft. The vessel was originally named JJ Brown and was manufactured in 1968 for the United States Air Force (USAF) and used as a missile retriever until 1994. The vessel was then used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and was eventually loaned to FWC, who operated the vessel for the next 14 years for federal fisheries enforcement, search and rescue. It was discovered that the vessel needed extensive repairs to remain operation. In 2008 the vessel was fully transferred to FWC and “Joint Enforcement Agreement” funding was acquired for a major overhaul. The restoration project was awarded to the Derecktor of Florida shipyard in Dania.
The Gulf Sentry refit is now complete and she now has a new bottom, bow design, engines, electrical, plumbing, berthing area, galley and new pilot house. She is virtually unrecognizable as the original vessel. The Gulf Sentry has numerous green features incorporated into her new design. These modifications include: C32 ACERT engines that drive her at 31 knots while meeting tier two emission regulations (no smoke and better fuel economy, also a building block for future emission standards); elimination of all external hydraulic systems, to avoid potential loss of oils (all systems are now pneumatic-air driven); recycled materials were used in construction of cabin interiors; fuel-fill system was designed to eliminate / reduce fuel spills during fill ups; and the shaft angles, rudders and bottom were redesigned to increase efficiency. A new launch well was installed in the stern of the vessel to deploy the ridged hull inflatable boat to assist with search and rescue in rough seas.
Captain Brad Williams, of the FWC elaborated on the refit: “JJ Brown has been renamed Gulf Sentry because she looks and maneuvers just like a new build. We are sure she will give the State of Florida and the nation, enhanced service for many years to come. The FWC in keeping with their core mission of resource protection, worked closely with Derecktor to search for every available green option and Derecktor went out of their way to make Gulf Sentry the greenest vessel possible. At this critical time in the gulf, the Gulf Sentry is ready to report to work. The vessel’s home port will be Carrabelle and her primary operational theater is the Gulf of Mexico out to 200 miles offshore.”