Guardians,
First let me thank those of you who sent "get well" wishes for my father, DCC Clyde W. Allen (USCG retired) , after he broke his hip. He is recovering and we hope to see him complete his rehabilitation and return home. After a week of emergency leave I wanted to update you on several keys events that have taken place recently.
Today was a perfect Coast Guard day at Bollinger Shipyard in Lockport, LA where we conducted the official keel laying ceremony for our first Fast Response Cutter of the Sentinel Class. As we announced earlier all Sentinel Class cutters will be named after enlisted heroes of our Service.
Today the keel was laid for the USCGC BERNARD C. WEBBER. Much has been said and written about BM1 Bernie Webber's implausible rescue of 32 survivors of the Tanker PENDLETON which had broken in half off Chatham, MA in February of 1952. On this day we recognized that performance in formally naming the cutter. We were thrilled to have Bernie's daughter Mrs. Pattie Hamilton sponsor the cutter. Her heart felt words for her father inspired us all. In keeping with her sponsor role she imprinted her initials on to the keel. She was joined by her husband, Air National Guard LTCOL Bruce Hamilton, and their two daughters (Leah and Hilary) who served as maids of honor.
Additionally, we were joined by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Senator Mary Landrieu, Senator David Vitter, and New Orleans Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu. VADM Bob Papp our Ancient Mariner and my nominated successor attended with his wife Linda along with Master Chief Skip Bowen and numerous senior Coast Guard leaders.
The WEBBER is the first of 58 planned cutters in the Sentinel Class. We anticipate choosing the names of cutters 2 through 12 in the near future and will pass those names when that process is completed.
I am extremely proud of our acquisition team led by RADM Ron Rabago who have moved quickly but with proper adherence to our new acquisition guidelines to start this production line.
Our thanks for the courtesies extended by the Bollinger team and the terrific support of the Louisiana congressional delegation.
ADM A
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