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Revenue Cutter Service News

28 Dec 2023

USCG's New Cutters Can’t Arrive Soon Enough

(Photo: Brandon Giles / U.S. Coast Guard)

The much-needed replacement for the U.S. Coast Guard’s long-serving medium endurance cutters (WMEC) took a giant step closer to joining the fleet as the first Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) was launched and christened at Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) in Panama City, Fla. on October 27, 2023.The future USCGC Argus (WMSM 915) was christened by the ship’s sponsor, Captain (Ret.) Beverly Kelley, the first woman to command a U.S. military vessel, the 95-foot patrol boat, USCGC Cape Newagen (WPB 95318).

15 Jul 2021

Change of Command for U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant

Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617). U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO

The crew of the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant conducted a formal change of command ceremony in Port Canaveral, Thursday.During the ceremony, Cmdr. Jay Guyer relieved Cmdr. Fred Bertsch of the duties of commanding officer of the vessel.Bertsch served as Vigilant’s commanding officer since 2019 and led the crew through six patrols.According to the U.S. Coast Guard, under Bertsch’s leadership, Vigilant interdicted 10 drug smuggling vessels seizing over 30,952 kilograms of cocaine and detaining 30 suspected smugglers.

26 Nov 2017

National Security Cutter Midgett Launched

Ingalls Shipbuilding launched the National Security Cutter Midgett on November 22, 2017. The ship will be christened during a ceremony on December 9 (Photo: Lance Davis/HII)

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has launched its eight National Security Cutter (NSC) built for the U.S. Coast Guard. NSC Midgett (WMSL 757) was launched on November 22, 2017, and will be christened during a ceremony on December 9. The ship is named to honor John Allen Midgett, who was awarded the Silver Cup by the U.K. Board of Trade in 1918 for the rescue of 42 British sailors aboard the British tanker Mirlo after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of North Carolina. He was also awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal by the U.S.

14 Jun 2017

US Coast Guard Shipwreck Found – 100 Years Later

In 1914, USRC Cutter McCulloch was ordered to Mare Island Navy Shipyard where the cutter’s boilers were replaced, the mainmast was removed and the bowsprit shortened. In 1915, McCulloch became a US Coast Guard Cutter when the US Revenue Cutter Service and US Life-Saving Service were combined to create the United States Coast Guard. (Credit: Gary Fabian Collection)

The shipwreck remains of a historic U.S. Coast Guard cutter have been discovered off of Southern California 100 years after the vessel was lost at sea. In its heyday, the Coast Guard Cutter McCulloch – commissioned in 1897 as a cruising cutter for the U.S. Treasury’s Revenue Cutter Service, a predecessor of the Coast Guard – saw its share of action, having served with Commodore George Dewey in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 as part of the U.S. Asiatic Squadron that destroyed the Spanish Pacific fleet in the first major battle of the Spanish-American War.

28 Jan 2017

Ingalls Authenticates Keel of NSC Midgett

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division today authenticated the keel of the eighth U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, Midgett (WMSL 757). “The National Security Cutter Program is vital to our Coast Guard, our country and to Ingalls Shipbuilding,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. “Today, we lay the foundation upon which this great ship will be built. The ship is named to honor John Allen Midgett, who was awarded the silver cup by the U.K. Board of Trade in 1918 for the renowned rescue of 42 British sailors aboard the British tanker Mirlo after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of North Carolina. He was also awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1924.

20 Dec 2016

Power Presented with Alexander Hamilton Award

Photo courtesy of National Coast Guard Association

The National Coast Guard Museum Association, Inc. presented the 2016 Alexander Hamilton Award to Coast Guard veteran and founder of J.D. Power and Associates, Inc., J. David Power III, who served as an officer aboard the Coast Guard icebreaker EASTWIND during the mid-1950s. Power was honored in recognition of his years of outstanding service in support of the National Coast Guard Museum. Powers has spent almost 50 years as a pioneer in studying consumer opinions, with 40 years as founder of what has become one of the most prestigious marketing information companies in the world, J.D.

04 Aug 2016

This Day In Naval History: August 4

USS Enterprise (CV-6) (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives)

1790 - The Revenue Cutter Service is established by Congress, authorizing the construction of 10 vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. The service receives its present name, U.S. Coast Guard, in 1915 under an act of Congress that merges the Revenue Cutter Service with the Life-Saving Service, thereby providing the nation with a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. 1846 - During the Mexican-American War…

06 Dec 2015

Navy to Commission USS Jackson (LCS 6)

The Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship, USS Jackson (LCS 6), during a 10 CST ceremony Saturday, Dec. 5 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Jackson, designated LCS 6, honors the city of Jackson, Mississippi, and is the first U.S. ship in our nation's history to be named in honor of Jackson. Jackson, Mississippi was named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. The Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Dr. Katherine H. Cochran, daughter of Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, is serving as the ship's sponsor. "As we welcome USS Jackson to the fleet…

19 Aug 2015

Coast Guard's Cutter James Makes First Port Call

Fresh from commissioning festivities in Boston, Coast Guard’s newest National Security Cutter, James, made its first port call to Baltimore, Tuesday. Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 8 to 10 a.m.; 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (GPS unit: 920 S Broadway, Baltimore, Md. Cutter James was recently commissioned for operational service at Boston Aug. 8 and is making way to its inaugural homeport in Charleston scheduled to arrive Aug. 28. Its namesake links the next generation of men and women serving aboard to the renowned lifesavers of the past, most notably of Capt. Joshua James, a native of Hull, Massachusetts, who is credited with saving more than 600 lives during his time with the U.S.

09 Aug 2015

USCG Commissions National Security Cutter in Boston

The Coast Guard commissioned its newest National Security Cutter, the 418-foot Coast Guard Cutter James, Saturday during a ceremony at Coast Guard Base Boston. "Joshua James began his life-saving career at 15 and saved more than 600 lives," said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft. During the ceremony, Zukunft, Charlene James Benoit, of Milford, Connecticut, the ship's sponsor and great-great niece of the ship's namesake, and James' commanding officer, Capt. Andrew J. Tiongson, a native of Somerville, ordered the ship to "come to life", officailly appointing James as an active cutter in the Coast Guard's fleet. James's crew will play a vital role in the Coast Guard's ability to secure our nation's maritime domain and borders…

07 Aug 2015

Photos: US Coast Guard’s New Cutter

USCG photo by David Lau

The U.S. Coast Guard will officially debut its newest National Security Cutter (NSC), Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) during a ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Coast Guard Base Boston. Ahead of the commissioning ceremony, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City coordinated a photo opportunity with the Coast Guard Cutter James and Coast Guard Barque Eagle while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. The new cutter is named for Capt. Joshua James, who is one of the most celebrated lifesavers in history.

07 Apr 2015

Fifth National Security Cutter Passes Builder’s Trials

The fifth Ingalls-built U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, James (WMSL 754), sailed the Gulf of Mexico last week for her successful builder’s sea trials. (Photo by Lance Davis/HII)

The fifth National Security Cutter, James, completed builder’s trials in Pascagoula, Mississippi, marking the next step in preparing the cutter for delivery to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). "James’ successful completion of builder's trials means it’s one step closer to joining the Coast Guard fleet and executing some of  the most challenging maritime security missions facing our Nation. The men and women of Huntington Ingalls Industries and the Coast Guard Acquisitions Program should feel proud of getting James to this point in construction," said Capt.

08 Dec 2014

USCG Welcomes Cutter Hamilton to Fleet

Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, the first national security cutter homeported on the East Coast, entered into active service today at Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston. The commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard’s largest and newest 418-foot cutter was presided by Vice Adm. William “Dean” Lee, Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander. Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, delivered the keynote address. “Together with my shipmates, we’re beginning the most important milestones in the life of a cutter,” said Capt. Doug Fears, Hamilton’s commanding officer and the most senior member of the crew. While being “new” to the Coast Guard is the highlight of the ceremony, Cutter Hamilton’s most enthusiastic crewmembers are just as new to the Coast Guard.

18 Aug 2014

USCG Cutter Hamilton Completes Acceptance Trials

U.S. Coast Cutter Hamilton performs sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico Aug. 13, 2014. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Carlos Vega)

The fourth National Security Cutter, Hamilton, successfully completed several days of rigorous acceptance trials Thursday to ensure the cutter meets its contractual requirements and is ready for delivery to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Hamilton, which will be home ported in Charleston, South Carolina, conducted the acceptance trials in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and at sea in the Gulf of Mexico by the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. Acceptance trials are the final significant milestone, or final exam, before the government takes ownership of a new cutter.

04 Aug 2014

USCG Celebrates 224th Birthday

USCG photo

On August 4, 1790, Congress authorized the creation of the Revenue Cutter Service, the precursor to the modern U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). In celebration of the service's 224th birthday, members of the USCG and Coast Guard Auxiliary surprised boaters along the Mid-Atlantic coast, wishing the boaters happy birthday and presenting them with balloons and gifts. The members presented boaters in Baltimore, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Wilmington, North Carolina, with life jackets…

28 Oct 2013

USCG Christens Fourth National Security Cutter

The U.S Coast Guard christened its fourth National Security Cutter Saturday, during a ceremony at Ingalls Shipyards in Pascagoula, Miss. The cutter's sponsor, Linda Kapral Papp, led the time-honored tradition of breaking a champagne bottle on the cutter's bow, officially giving the cutter the name Hamilton. She was accompanied by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp, who was the keynote speaker for the event. "A ship's sponsor is considered a permanent part of the ship's crew and an advocate for its continued service and well-being," said Linda Kapral Papp. The Hamilton was named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and the driving force behind the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, a precursor to the modern U.S. Coast Guard.

27 Oct 2013

NSC 'Hamilton' Christened at Ingalls Shipbuilding

Hamilton Christening: Photo courtesy of HII

The National Security Cutter (NSC) 'Hamilton' was christend by Linda Kapral Papp, the wife of the US Coast Guard Commandant, at a ceremony attended by nearly 1000 guests at the shipyard. Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., commandant of the Coast Guard, served as the keynote speaker. "As a sailor myself, I've learned that when you're sailing against the wind and the tide, getting to your desired destination often requires a great amount of effort and sometimes takes longer than you thought it might," he said.

25 Jun 2013

International Ice Patrol Gallery Opens at Mystic Aquarium

Dr. Coan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sea Research Foundation, presents a plaque commemorating the centennial of the International Ice Patrol to CDR Lisa Mack, Commander of the International Ice Patrol, at the official opening of the Ice Patrol gallery at the Mystic Aquarium.

The Sea Research Foundation opened its “Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below” in the Ocean Exploration Center of the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut in April of 2012. This year, the Foundation expanded the exhibit to include a gallery about the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol as a positive outcome of the tragedy. The addition officially opened in April of 2013, the month that also marked the Ice Patrol’s centennial. In April of 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage, struck an iceberg near the Tail of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and sank with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

03 Oct 2012

Historical Society to Salute Maritime Leaders

Captain Brian A. McAllister

The National Maritime Historical Society will host its 2012 Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 at the New York Yacht Club in New York City. The NMHS Distinguished Service Award, for outstanding contributions in the maritime field, will be presented to Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB DL, Captain Brian A. McAllister, and Captain Don Walsh, USN (Ret.), PhD. The David A. O’Neil Sheet Anchor Award, recognizing the contributions of those who further the work of the Society, will be given to Thomas F. Daly.

31 Jul 2012

USCG to Celebrate 222nd Anniversary Aboard Historic Destroyer

Photo credit USS Slater.org

The United States Coast Guard, one of the country's five armed services,is a unique agency of the federal government. The service was founded on August 4, 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. Known variously as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew. It is appropriate to celebrate the Coast Guard’s Birthday…

16 Jul 2012

Arctic Shield 2012: USCG Mounts Historic Arctic Effort

While it seems that half the world is monitoring the oil and gas exploration activities of Royal Dutch Shell (Shell Oil) on the United States outer continental shelf (OCS) in waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas off the north coast of Alaska, another historic event is occurring in those same waters: Arctic Shield 2012. The US Coast Guard is assembling its largest ever effort in the Arctic during the period July through October 2012. The Coast Guard has been gradually expanding its presence in the Arctic over the past four years.

17 Jan 2012

Arctic Oil Exploration: Shell Awaits New Giant Icebreaker

The Nanuq was outfitted with oil-spill-response capabilities well before the 2010 Macondo spill in the Gulf, he noted. The Aiviq is designed to work in tandem with the Nanuq. (Photo Courtesy Shell)

The M/V Aiviq icebreaker, contracted by Shell Oil to support drilling in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea, is scheduled to be completed by Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore in early 2012. The vessel, ordered in July 2009, is on track for April 1, 2012, delivery in Galliano, La., and will then head north, according to Shell Oil spokesman Curtis Smith. The $200m Aiviq is the largest vessel ever built by Chouest, and will be among the most advanced and powerful, non-military icebreakers on the waters.

04 Aug 2011

Domestic Maritime Industry Salute USCG

U.S.-flag vessel operators and allied industries engaged in domestic waterborne commerce today recognized the vital role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in keeping America’s waters safe and secure. The salute comes on the 221st anniversary of the legislation that established the Revenue Cutter Service, the forerunner of today’s U.S. Coast Guard. “The U.S. Coast Guard is the most underappreciated federal agency,” said James Henry, President of the Transportation Institute, and Chairman of the Board of American Maritime Partnership. “On any given day, these men and women conduct more than 100 search and rescue missions, save 10 lives, board more than 140 large vessels for port safety checks, and service 135 aids to navigation. And that’s just some of the Coast Guard’s missions.