The ship is designed as a high endurance cutter. Her cruising range of at ), and an flight deck, capable of handling helicopters, make the ship an ideal platform for extended patrol missions.
Gallantin was one of the first naval vessels built with a
combined diesel or gas (CODOG) turbine propulsion plant. Her engineering plant includes two
diesel engines, and two
gas turbines, which can achieve a top speed of . Two diameter
controllable pitch propellers, combined with a retractable and rotatable bow propulsion unit, give the ship high maneuverability. The ship's capabilities are enhanced by advanced air search and surface search radars, including the AN/SPS-73 digital surface radar system that incorporates a state of the art computerized collision avoidance system. The ship uses the Shipboard Command and Control System (SCCS), which employs a network of computers including large screen displays and a dedicated satellite network for communications. A closed circuit TV system enables the Commanding Officer to monitor flight deck operations, machinery conditions, towing, damage control, and related activities from the bridge. ==History==