USCGC WAESCHE - WELCOME ABOARD

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                USCGC  WAESCHE - WELCOME ABOARD

                             

                                   USCGC WAESCHE (WMSL 751)

                                       

              BLAZON:

SHIELD:  Azure, on a point in base Gris a point embowed Vert, on Gris a silhouette of the early CG Destroyer CG-9 Beale Sable, overall a lighthouse to dexter side, its lantern issuing a light beam to sinister Proper, all within a bordure Gules.   

CREST:  On a wreath Argent and Azure a stylized compass rose of the last, four mullets Or within its quadrants. 

SUPPORTERS:  Saltirewise behind the shield a trident Or and a Naval officer’s sword point to base Proper.

MOTTO:  The words “STRENGTH ENDURANCE SERVICE” in Gold letters on a tripartite Dark Blue scroll doubled Gold and interlacing the tips of the sword and trident. 

SEAL: The device as described above upon a white disc enclosed within a dark blue designation scroll edged on the outside with gold rope and inscribed “USCGC WAESCHE”    at top and “WMSL 751” in base in gold letters.

              SYMBOLISM
 
SHIELD:  The lighthouse recalls Admiral Waesche’s profound influence and impact on the United States Coast Guard and its development through the twentieth century, particularly its amalgamation with the Lighthouse Service and Bureau of Marine Inspection.  The destroyer Beale refers to the Admiral’s post as Commanding Officer of that ship and its significant link to the Navy, which transferred it to the Coast Guard.  It belonged to the most sophisticated class operated by the Coast Guard at that time and has relevance to the Legend class, today’s most modern ships in the Service.  It recalls also Coast Guard control of illegal activity in the early years of Admiral Waesche‘s career.  Blue represents the Coast Guard; white denotes integrity and pursuit of the highest goals.  The scarlet bordure signifies courage, sacrifice and unity of purpose of Coast Guard personnel and recalls the expansion of the Service during World War II.     

CREST:  The compass rose represents Admiral Waesche’s wide scope of activities and influence in developing the United States Coast Guard’s abilities as a major force in the protection of the nation and its interests, notably in maritime matters.  The stars signify his high rank in the service and recall his distinction as the first Coast Guard officer to achieve such status.  Gold denotes excellence.   

Source: The Institute of Heraldry Coast Guard Section, USCGC Waesche, WMSL 751

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National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) Floats Off



The U.S. Coast Guard is pleased to announce today that the second National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751) floated off its building site on July 11, 2008. The float-off, which was the first time the Waesche entered the water, began on the evening of July 11, and was complete by the morning of July 12. The ship float-off involved moving the ship across land on a rail transfer system and ended with the ship being moored pier side. The ship has been under construction at the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems yard in Pascagoula, Miss., since its keel was laid on Sept. 11, 2006.

The formal christening ceremony that celebrates this float-off is July 26, 2008 when the Waesche will be officially named. The christening does not mark the end of a ship’s construction process. Waesche will remain pier side and under construction through 2008. It is scheduled to begin its sea trials in 2009.

Waesche is named for Adm. Russell R. Waesche who was the first Coast Guard commandant to achieve the rank of Admiral and led the Coast Guard from 1936 to 1946, including during World War II. His granddaughter, Marilla Waesche Pivonka, is the ship’s sponsor.

Waesche is the second of eight planned National Security Cutters (NSC). The NSCs, part of the Coast Guard’s Deepwater major acquisition program, will be the flagships of the Coast Guard fleet and will replace the 378-ft Hamilton class High Endurance Cutters, which entered service during the 1960s. The first NSC, Bertholf, will be commissioned in Alameda, Calif. on August 4, 2008.

The next step:
• Waesche Christening, 26 July 2008
• Waesche Sea Trials, 2009

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Coast Guard Cutter Waesche Christened At Ingalls Shipyard

  (Audio Is Weak .. turn up volume)



WASHED IN TRADITION: Marilla Waesche Pivonka (right), ship's sponsor, breaks a traditional bottle spraying the bow and platform guests at the christening of the Northrop Grumman-built U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751). The ship is named for her grandfather, Adm. Russell Randolph Waesche, who served as the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1936 until 1946. Also on the platform are (left to right) U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen; Mike Petters, vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding; and Paul Schneider, deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.  Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad W. Allen and Marilla Waesche Pivonka (right), the ship's sponsor and granddaughter of the ship's namesake, Adm. Russell Randolph Waesche, smile after the USCGC Waesche christening ceremony at the Northrop Gruman Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula.

Posted: July 26, 2008 09:37 PM EDT
Updated: July 27, 2008 12:36 AM EDT

PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX)- It was not an average day at Ingalls shipyard.  Admirals, shipbuilders and veterans all came together to christen the Waesche, the newest addition to the Coast Guard fleet. 

"This ship brings state of the art capability to the Coast Guard," said Admiral Ronald Rabago. "It's really our most sophisticated asset that we've ever had." 

Featuring cutting edge sensors, a state of the art boat and helicopter launching system and incredible speed, this new vessel is a source of great pride for the Coast Guard.  It is the second of eight ships to be built in its class. Called the Legend class, these ships will be the most technologically advanced ships in the Coast Guard's fleet.  The first ship in the series, the Bertholf, was also built at the Pascagoula facility.

The ship was named after the late Commandant Russell Waesche. His granddaughter, Marilla Waesche Pivonka, christened the ship. 

"That was a thrill," Waesche Pivonka said.

But the ceremony meant much more to her than just excitement. 

"It's very poignant and provocative for me, personally and to stand representing our grandfather."

Although the ship still isn't ready to set sail, it's captain and crew are already preparing for the Waesche's arrival in its future home in Alameda, California.

Captain Lance Bardo, who will command the ship, has been working to assemble a crew and is already training nearly fifty crew members. 

"I think that building a crew is an unexpected challenge for me, " Bardo said. "(It's) a lot of work to bring a crew together and marry it up with a new ship and new technology."

The benefits are worth the extra effort. 

Captain Bardo describes the Waesche as, "a vessel that can do all missions well and can do them on a day to day basis."

Video of Christening
Additional Article
Added YouTube right photo & text ... Buoy

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Meet The Commanding Officer Of The
Cutter WAESCHE, Captain Lance L. Bardo
 
 

PACAREA COMMAND WEBSITE FOR THE CGC WAESCHE

CAPT Bardo, a career cutterman, has served aboard six cutters over 26 years, commanding four cutters prior to CGC WAESCHE.  His seagoing duty has included Fisheries enforcement and Search and Rescue in the Northwest Atlantic, Bering Sea and off the California  coast, icebreaking on the Great Lakes, as well as extensive counter drug operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.  Most recently he served as Commanding Officer of CGC BOUTWELL from 2002 – 2004 and led the interdiction of over $1B in contraband in the Eastern Pacific.  He served as Commanding Officer of CGC COURAGEOUS  from 1999-2001, patrolling the Straits of Florida and Caribbean.  He served as Executive Officer, USCGC CONFIDENCE, Port Canaveral, FL from 1995-97 where he patrolled the Caribbean.  He served as Commanding Officer of USCGC NEAH BAY, Cleveland, OH from 1990-92 and patrolled the east coast of the U.S. on fisheries enforcement and conducted ice operations throughout the Great Lakes.  He served from 1983-85 as Commanding Officer, USCGC CAPE WASH, Morro Bay, CA where he conducted search and rescue and law enforcement missions off the central coast of California.  His initiation to sea duty began as a Deck Watch Officer and boarding officer aboard USCGC VIGOROUS, New London, CT where he patrolled the Caribbean and northwest Atlantic.

Recent staff tours include duty as Chief, Pacific Area Resources and Performance Management Staff from 2006-2007 and Operational Forces Manager for Pacific Area from 2001 – 2004 where he was responsible for the deployment and management of the Pacific Area cutter fleet, Tactical Law Enforcement Team and Marine Security Safety Teams. Earlier he served from 1997-99 as a political-military officer for Sub-Saharan Africa at the U. S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany where he coordinated joint military and security assistance activities through out Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.  He was assigned to the Officer Personnel branch at CG Headquarters from 1992-95 and the  Programs Division at Coast Guard Headquarters from 1987-1990.

CAPT Bardo a native of Buffalo, NY, is a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an alumni of the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA where he earned a Master’s of Science degree in Operations Research.  He has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Coast Guard Commendation Medals and the 9-11 Medal.

Captain Bardo's Welcome Aboard Message To The Crew Of The WAESCHE (pronounced way-she) 

Welcome aboard the pre-commissioning crew of the CGC WAESCHE (WMSL-751)!  I hope you are excited by the prospect of sailing on what will soon be the newest cutter in the fleet.  As the plank-owner crew, we are honored to carry on ADM  WAESCHE's legacy and look forward to living up to his reputation of integrity, innovation, and action as the longest serving Commandant during the trying years leading up to and including World War II.  The fact that we will spend many months together as a crew training and preparing for our mission is a reflection of ADM Waesche's greatest accomplishments which centered around people including the creation of the CG Reserves, Auxiliary, SPARs, and integrated ship crews.  The coming weeks will be filled with hard work, frustration, and uncertainty.  I can assure you that will be offset by the accomplishment of coming together as a crew, breathing life into the ship, and getting underway to do the king's business around the world.  To this  career sailor, there is nothing more satisfying than a sunset at the end of the a full day at sea and few things more exciting than saving a life or busting a drug smuggler.  And to cap that experience, we are sure to visit places around the world most only dream of.

If you are new to the Bay area, you have the fortune of being assigned to what I consider one of the premier areas of the country.  This is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, with a sophisticated urban community that includes a phenomenal dedication to the arts and some of the best universities in the world.  For the sportsman - from sailing to surfing to skiing, to hunting and fishing, hiking and camping, or mountain biking, or as a fan of professional sports - you are at the center of the universe.  After over 26 years of being stationed around the world, I can think of no better place to be.


We currently have a small contingent in Pascagoula at the shipyard, and a handful of OS's training at the USN Cryptological Unit in Medina, TX.  Most of you will be asked to report to Alameda, CA when you execute your orders so that we can get your personal affairs settled, assess the personnel and crew training needs based on your experience, and begin the process of preparing to take delivery of CGC WAESCHE and execute our missions.  There will be a handful of officers and crew that will arrive late this spring and early this summer to form the organizational core of our crew.  Until that time, the pre-commissioning crew of our sister ship, CGC BERTHOLF, will act as our command agents to coordinate your reporting date and location, and to act as your sponsor.

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Photo Release
Date: July 28, 2008
Contact: CG Public Affairs

Cutter WAESCHE Christened In Pascagoula, Mississippi

 
Coast Guard Cutter Waesche sits fully decorated and waits to become part of the Coast Guard's fleet at the Northrop
Gruman Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, Miss, July 26, 2008. The Waesche is the second Coast Guard National Security
Cutter to be christened.  U.S. Coast Guard photos by Angelia M. Rorison


Marilla Waesche Pivonka, the ship's sponsor and granddaughter of the shipÕs namesake, Adm. Russell Randolph Waesche,
leads the crowd in song during the USCGC Waesche christening ceremony at the Northrop Gruman Shipbuilding facility in
Pascagoula, Miss, July 26, 2008.


Marilla Waesche Pivonka, the ship's sponsor and granddaughter of the ship's namesake, Adm. Russell Randolph Waesche,
accepts flowers from Caitlyn Dennis (left) at the start of the USCGC Waesche christening ceremony.  Commandant Adm.
Thad W. Allen, Northrop  Grumman  Shipbuilding president  Mike Petters and Marilla Waesche Pivonka, the ship's sponsor
(right) and granddaughter of the  ship's namesake, Adm. Russell Randolph Waesche,  celebrate after breaking a bottle of
champagne over the newly christened Waesche's bow.

Photos:  CG Visual Information Library

[CGRDCS]

Congratulations to the crew on your Cutter's commissioning.

May success always be a star to guide you and USCGC WAESCHE

The drinks are on me at the P Club.

Hawk

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Sing-Along-Christening of the
National Security Cutter Waesche

   

The YouTube audio is very weak.  The CG Visual Image Library copy
has a much better audio track and larger video screen.  It is located HERE.

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Acquisition Update
March 30, 2009

CGC WAESCHE 78% Complete
With Generator Light Off


The initial Generator Light Off (GLO) for Waesche (WMSL 751) - U.S.
Coast Guard Chief Sean League, chief electricians mate, pushes the
button to fire up the number 3 generator as Grady Fountain, general
ship superintendent, NSC 2, watches. (Photo by: Northrop Grumman)

The National Security Cutter (NSC) is the flagship of the fleet, capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs. It is the largest and most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, with robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions. Learn more about the NSC >>

Status
The initial Generator Light Off (GLO) for the U.S. Coast Guard's second National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751), was successfully completed. GLO marks a significant milestone in the production of a ship, because it verifies the operational capability of the generators - the cutter's power plants. As of March 20, Waesche is 78% complete and Stratton is 7% complete.

Acquisition Directorate

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Second Northrop Grumman-built National Security Cutter,
Waesche, Completes Successful Builder's Trials



PASCAGOULA, Miss., Aug. 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Northrop Grumman Corporation-built (NYSE:NOC) National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) completed successful Builder's Trials on Monday after undergoing rigorous testing in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship's return to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Gulf Coast facility here following trials marks the latest milestone for Waesche, which is nearing completion.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/

"Waesche's successful Builder's Trials prove what we have known for some time -- that our team has designed and built a great ship," said Bob Merchent, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's vice president of surface combatants and U.S. Coast Guard programs.

"Through the efforts of our entire U.S. Coast Guard shipbuilding team, Waesche has exceeded expectations throughout construction and has successfully accomplished the tests required for a successful Builder's Trials. We look forward to delivering another vital asset to the Coast Guard."

Waesche is the second ship in the new class of highly capable, technologically advanced multi-mission cutters. The NSC was built under contract from Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

"The effort put in by everyone to get the ship here is astounding," said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jim Knight, commanding officer, project resident office. "We are going to be delivering a platform that is mission-ready."

During the trials, extensive testing of propulsion, electrical, damage control, and combat systems was conducted. The ship will return to sea in September for her acceptance trials and will be delivered to the Coast Guard this fall.

The Waesche's keel was laid Sept. 11, 2006, after first-in-class Bertholf's keel was laid in 2005. Waesche was christened July 26, 2008.

The NSC is a 418-foot vessel with a 4,480 ton displacement at full load powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine power propulsion plant driving twin screws with a maximum speed of 28 knots. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats, an expansive flight deck able to accommodate a range of rotary wing manned and unmanned aircraft and state of the art command and control systems. In addition, the cutter features improved habitability and a sailor-centric design to facilitate optimized crewing and, enhance onboard quality of life for a mixed gender crew.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Original Article

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iCommandant

Web Journal of Admiral Thad Allen
Tuesday, August 18, 2009


WAESCHE Completes Builder's Trials

Guest Posts by Capt Jim Knight (CO of the Project Resident Office Gulf Coast)
and Capt Lance Bardo (Prospective CO of WAESCHE)




WAESCHE (WMSL-751), the second National Security Cutter, just returned from builder's sea trials. Her strong performance during these trials warranted sharing with as many Coast Guardsmen as possible. I have to take this opportunity to get true, first hand information to the most important customers of Project Resident Office (PRO) Gulf Coast - the deck plate sailors.

Having builder's trials experience with the 210 MMA, 378 FRAM, 225 WLBs, Great Lakes Icebreaker, and NSC 1, I can say with confidence that WAESCHE performed well on her builder's trials. The PRO Gulf Coast staff and the contractor have worked hard to incorporate the lessons learned from NSC 1 into the design of WAESCHE. The fruits of this investment were realized on this trial. The maturity of the systems and software exceeded my expectations and WAESCHE performed well in all mission areas including C4, Navigation, stern launch and recovery of the small boat and full power trials. The WAESCHE crew also conducted very well executed live fire tests of the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and 57mm gun system.

It is important to keep in mind that the purpose of builder's trials is for the contractor to operate the ship for the very first time and identify items requiring additional work prior to presenting the ship to the Coast Guard for Acceptance Trials. Although builder's trials are a contractor's event, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding makes space available for PRO Gulf Coast personnel to sail onboard and help them see the ship through their customer's eyes.

To make sure that we are thorough, PRO Gulf Coast utilizes subject area experts from our own staff, Surface Forces Logistics Center, WAESCHE crew, STRATTON (NSC 3) crew, USN Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast, Naval Warfare Center and others. So yes, the nearly 200 government and contractor personnel on the ship generated a sizable work list during the week at sea. That was, after all, our job. There is nothing insurmountable on this list however. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is very motivated to complete all work prior to acceptance trials even though there are an additional five weeks between acceptance trials and actual cutter delivery.

The performance of WAESCHE on builder's trials bodes well for the ability to deliver a cutter with solid operational capability. We are now applying lessons learned from the actual construction of USCGC BERTHOLF and WAESCHE to the shipyard processes used to build STRATTON, which is now over 20% complete, in order to reduce the time it takes to get these ships to you. We will continue to look for new ways to provide the quality ships you deserve as quickly as we can. Until then, stay focused and keep your shipmates safe.

Capt Jim Knight
Commanding Officer
USCG PRO Gulf Coast
Pascagoula, MS


If this is what going to sea for the next generation is going to look like, I am envious of the future generation of cuttermen. WAESCHE's "not quite finished" propulsion, C4I, navigation, and deck systems are a quantum leap from the cutters I have been sailing for the last 15 years. The ship is smart, handles well, and has capabilities we have only just begun to understand.

The ship's performance during Builder's Trials was exceptional - beyond my expectations and by all accounts significantly better than NSC 1's Builder's Trials experience. While problems do continue to exist with the machinery control system, the C4ISR systems, the boat launch and recovery system and other mechanical systems, they are "normal" for Builder's Trials and far improved from the same system problems encounters during NSC 1's Builder's Trials and Acceptance Trials. The Builder's Trials included a 48 hour brief stop for repairs to a critical medium pressure air compressor system - that is a known vulnerability caused by the demands of a dehydrator for the electronic warfare suite and the decision to return to port for repairs was a good risk management decision.

The goal to identify as many of the punch list type discrepancies as possible was also realized, placing us in a good position to resolve many of them before Acceptance Trials.

I was particularly pleased by the combined efforts of the Coast Guard Project Resident Office and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding to work through a number of issues in an intense period of trials. All were clearly focused on getting us the best product possible.

There is a huge amount of work left to complete the ship before Acceptance Trials and I am confident that the continued teamwork of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, the PRO, CG-93 and my crew will be successful in getting us the best ship possible at the earliest opportunity. I am confident we will have a delivery ready cutter following Acceptance Trials the week of 28 Sept and the crew of WAESCHE is ready to put her to sea.



CAPT Lance Bardo
Prospective Commanding Officer
WAESCHE (WMSL-751)

iCommandant

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Acquisition Update:
Waesche Completes Acceptance Trials
October 2, 2009

Waesche, Second National Security Cutter



The U.S. Coast Guard’s second National Security Cutter (NSC), Waesche, recently completed four days of rigorous tests called Acceptance Trials to ensure the cutter meets all of its contractual requirements and is ready for delivery.  Waesche’s Acceptance Trials were conducted in Pascagoula, Miss., from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, 2009, by the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).  INSURV inspected Waesche to identify any major deficiencies needing correction prior to delivery.  Acceptance Trials are viewed as a “final exam” before the government takes ownership of the new cutter.   

Coast Guard Director of Acquisition Programs and Program Executive Officer, Rear Admiral John Korn said, “Waesche performed with flying colors and is well on the way to acceptance and being placed In Commission Special in early November.  It was particularly gratifying to actually ride aboard our newest cutter and see the tangible results of all the hard work, and applied learning invested in Waesche.”

More than 80 representatives of INSURV tested Waesche’s shipboard equipment, examined the quality of her construction, and evaluated the cutter’s compliance with the contractual specifications established by the Coast Guard.  INSURV uses trial cards to record individual discrepancies or deficiencies requiring corrective action.  Although the final INSURV report has not been released, preliminary indications are excellent and Waesche proudly flew two brooms from the yard arm on its way back to Pascagoula.

Over the next several weeks, the Coast Guard will work with industry to correct any discrepancies and develop plans to resolve any outstanding issues.  Conditional acceptance and delivery of Waesche is expected in early November.   



INSURV’s independent review is one of many elements of oversight the NSC project has in place to ensure new cutters meet the most stringent government standards.  Prior to acceptance, a NSC must pass more than 400 tests, including over 60 conducted during sea trials.
 
Waesche had 1,466 open trial cards heading into Acceptance Trials, which is approximately half the number of trial cards open on Bertholf prior to Acceptance Trials.  The Coast Guard has learned important lessons from its experience acquiring the Bertholf. Consequently, Waesche’s design, construction, fitting-out, and testing processes are ahead of the schedule established for Bertholf, with lower overall risk.

Waesche, like her sister ships in the 418-foot Legend-class, represents a great leap forward in capability for the Coast Guard’s surface forces.  She has state-of-the-market hull, mechanical and electrical systems and an advanced suite of command, control, communication, and computer electronics to ensure the Coast Guard’s fleet is ready to meet 21st century mission needs.  The Coast Guard plans to build eight NSCs, which will replace the 40-plus year old 378’ High Endurance Cutter fleet.

For more information on the National Security Cutter, visit  www.uscg.mil/acquisition/nsc

AD Newsroom

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Hard to find any water calmer then that......

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Media Advisory
Date: November 02, 2009
Contact:  District 8 Public Affairs

Pascagula, MS — Coast Guard to hold "In-Commission Special" ceremony for Cutter Waesche

WHO:      Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rababo; Capt. Lance Bardo, prospective commanding officer, CGC Waesche

WHAT:    "In-Commission Special" ceremony for the second National Security Cutter, Waesche

WHEN:    Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Waesche flight deck, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Gulf Coast
                 1000 Access Road
                 Pascagula, MS

***MEDIA NOTE*** Media interested in attending the ceremony should contact Coast Guard Public Affairs at (504) 671-2020 to ensure access to the ship.

Background: Not to be confused with a formal commissioning ceremoney, the “In-Commission Special” ceremony represents the official transfer of ownership from the shipbuilder to the Coast Guard.  Preliminary acceptance and delivery is a major milestone in Waesche's transition to full operational status in the Coast Guard’s fleet.  

Waeshce (WMSL 751) is scheduled to depart Pascagoula for Pensacola, Fla., on its first sail away around Dec. 20.  It is scheduled to depart Pensacola for its homeport of Alameda, Calif., near the end of January 2010.  Final acceptance of Waesche will occur following a yearlong warranty period and completion of final acceptance trials.

The 418-foot Waesche is the second ship in the new Legend-class of cutters designed to be the flagship of the Coast Guard’s modernized fleet, capable of executing the most challenging maritime safety and security missions around the globe.  Eight cutters are planned for the class.  More information on the National Security Cutter program can be found online at http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/nsc/default.asp.

Media Advisory

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Photo Release
Date: November 06, 2009
Contact:  District 8 Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard accepts Cutter Waesche during In-Commission Special ceremony



Pascagula, MS — U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Lance Bardo above left, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), gives remarks to his crew, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding employees and special guest during the "In-Commission Special" ceremony, Nov. 6, 2009. This ceremony represents the official transfer of ownership of the second National Security Cutter from the shipbuilder to the Coast Guard.

In the photo right above (from left) Capt. James Knight, Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rabago, Capt. Lance Bardo and Cmdr. Troy Hosmer, salute the national ensign during the "In-Commission Special" ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), Nov. 6, 2009. This ceremony represents the official transfer of ownership of the second National Security Cutter from the shipbuilder to the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas M. Blue.

Photo Release

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New Coast Guard ship gets good notices
By Christopher P. Cavas
Posted : Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 8:18:49 EST


   
The Coast Guard’s top weapon buyer lauded shipbuilders Tuesday for the job done on the second National Security Cutter, delivered last week from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

“We’re really pleased with the work done by the shipbuilder and the subcontractors,” Rear Adm. Ron Rabago, chief of the acquisition directorate, told reporters. “The quality of the workmanship has improved. And the quality of the ship and systems showed that we’ve taken lessons learned from Bertholf and put these into the Waesche.”

The service took preliminary delivery of the Waesche on Nov. 6 at Northrop’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. By late February, the new ship is expected to join the Bertholf, first of the new cutters, at their homeport of Alameda, Calif.

Rabago noted that the Waesche improved on the Bertholf — initially delivered in May 2008 — in the key area of “starred cards,” or deficiencies that could affect mission performance. Eight starred cards were handed to the Bertholf during her acceptance trials, but inspectors from the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey found only three such problems on the Waesche.

“We’re very much pleased with the number of starred cards,” Rabago said. “Almost every system scored better.”

Because of criticisms of the program, the Coast Guard in 2008 took the unusual step of publicly releasing the Bertholf’s INSURV report. Since then, however, the Navy changed its policy and now considers those reports classified, and the Coast Guard decided not to release the Waesche’s INSURV.

The service did, however, report last month that the INSURV said the Waesche presented a “very clean and capable platform” that met or exceeded readiness expectations.

Rabago said the improvement in noted deficiencies on the Waesche was notable, since “many of the (INSURV) folks on Waesche were on Bertholf, so they knew where to look. That we ended up with a reduced number of trials cards is an indication of the quality and completeness of the ship.”

Work to complete and certify for operation the new cutter’s complex command-and-control suite, known as TEMPEST assurance, also will be finished significantly sooner than on the Bertholf. That work, which includes requirements for the Navy to install and certify equipment, took about 18 months on the Bertholf. That same work will be done in about eight months on the Waesche.

“That’s what we expected to see and we’re pleased to see that’s where we ended up,” Rabago said.

The third ship in the class, the Stratton, is nearly 30 percent complete, Rabago said, with that ship’s christening by First Lady Michelle Obama set for next summer.

Construction of the ships is done in modular “grand blocks,” which are then assembled to become a complete ship. Rabago noted that the Stratton will use fewer grand blocks than its predecessors.

“Most of the grand blocks will be assembled by the end of this calendar year, and the masts will complete the erection of the ship,” Rabago said. “She is tracking well. The quality of work looks good.”

The service also expects later this month to receive Northrop’s proposal to build the fourth NSC, the Hamilton, and will then begin contract negotiations.

The Fast Response Cutter program with Bollinger Shipyards also is moving ahead, Rabago said, with a critical design review slated for mid-November.

“The meeting next week will be a formal review with the shipbuilder,” he said. “We’ll provide guidance back to the shipbuilder and the shipbuilders will begin ordering materials. That’s an important milestone.”

Construction of the FRC, named Sentinel, is expected to begin early next year, with contract delivery still scheduled for January 2011.

Rabago also noted continued progress in the service’s acquisition of small Response Boat Medium patrol boats, and on its work to develop unmanned aerial vehicles. The Coast Guard is looking at co-developing a long-endurance Predator-B UAV with its Department of Homeland Security brethren in the Customs and Border Protection service, and is set to conduct cutter tests next year using a Fire Scout UAV, also being developed by the Navy.

Work to install and accept systems upgrades for the Rescue 21 “maritime 911” coastal monitoring system also is continuing, Rabago said, with 22 of 39 sectors on line, covering about 30,000 miles of coastline.

Original Article