The U.S. Coast Guard's Engineering Analysis Board has identified factors associated with corrosion on the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter 'Stratton'. The Engineering Analysis Board concluded that the unusual pattern of corrosion observed on the Stratton was caused by Damage to the hull coating, caused by below-the-waterline welding, coupled with a cathodic protection system that was operating in an “underprotect” configuration contributed to the corrosion on Stratton’s hull. Additionally, stray current corrosion from the welding was also identified as a contributing factor.