USCGC John Witherspoon (WPC-1158): Difference between revisions
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[[File:Coast Guard accepts delivery of 58th fast response cutter, first to be homeported in Kodiak, Alaska.jpg | thumb | The ''USCGC John Witherspoon'', the Coast Guard's 58th fast response cutter, and the first to be homeported in [[Kodiak, Alaska]].]] | |||
'''USCGC ''John Witherspoon'' (WPC-1158)''' is the [[United States Coast Guard]]'s 58th [[Sentinel class cutters|Sentinel class cutter]] [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|cutter]], and the first to be homeported in [[Kodiak, Alaska]].<ref name=thedefensepost2024-11-13/> | '''USCGC ''John Witherspoon'' (WPC-1158)''' is the [[United States Coast Guard]]'s 58th [[Sentinel class cutters|Sentinel class cutter]] [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|cutter]], and the first to be homeported in [[Kodiak, Alaska]].<ref name=thedefensepost2024-11-13/> | ||
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==Operational career== | ==Operational career== | ||
<ref name=thedefensepost2024-11-13/> | Bollinger delivered the ''John Witherspoon'' to the Coast Guard, at its base in [[Key West]], for her acceptance trials, on November 13, 2024.<ref name=thedefensepost2024-11-13/> | ||
==Namesake== | ==Namesake== | ||
In 2010, [[Charles W. Bowen|Charles "Skip" W. Bowen]], who was then the United States Coast Guard's most senior [[non-commissioned officer]], proposed that all 58 cutters in the Sentinel class should be named after [[ | In 2010, [[Charles W. Bowen|Charles "Skip" W. Bowen]], who was then the United States Coast Guard's most senior [[non-commissioned officer]], proposed that all 58 cutters in the Sentinel class should be named after [[enlisted]] sailors in the Coast Guard, or one of its precursor services, who were recognized for their heroism.<ref name=MilitaryTimes2010-03-22/><ref name=Piersystem2010-03-22/> The Coast Guard chose [[John Witherspoon]] as the namesake of the 58th cutter.<ref name=thedefensepost2024-11-13/> Witherspoon was the Coast Guard's first [[African-American]] to command a Coast Guard cutter. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 23:13, 7 December 2024
USCGC John Witherspoon (WPC-1158) is the United States Coast Guard's 58th Sentinel class cutter cutter, and the first to be homeported in Kodiak, Alaska.[1]
Design
Like her sister ships, Florence Finch is designed to perform search and rescue missions, port security, and the interception of smugglers.[2] She is armed with a remotely-controlled, gyro-stabilized 25 mm autocannon, four crew served M2 Browning machine guns, and light arms. She is equipped with a stern launching ramp, that allows her to launch or retrieve a water-jet propelled high-speed auxiliary boat, without first coming to a stop. Her high-speed boat has over-the-horizon capability, and is useful for inspecting other vessels, and deploying boarding parties.
The crew's drinking water needs are met through a desalination unit.[3] The crew mess is equipped with a television with satellite reception.
Operational career
Bollinger delivered the John Witherspoon to the Coast Guard, at its base in Key West, for her acceptance trials, on November 13, 2024.[1]
Namesake
In 2010, Charles "Skip" W. Bowen, who was then the United States Coast Guard's most senior non-commissioned officer, proposed that all 58 cutters in the Sentinel class should be named after enlisted sailors in the Coast Guard, or one of its precursor services, who were recognized for their heroism.[4][5] The Coast Guard chose John Witherspoon as the namesake of the 58th cutter.[1] Witherspoon was the Coast Guard's first African-American to command a Coast Guard cutter.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rojoef Manuel. US Coast Guard Takes Delivery of 58th Sentinel Cutter From Bollinger, The Defense Post, 2024-11-13. “The Witherspoon was named after the first African-American coast guard commander of a medium-class endurance cutter. He enlisted in 1963 and became a commissioned ensign in 1971.”
- ↑ FRC Plan B: The Sentinel Class, Defense Industry Daily, May 2, 2014. Retrieved on 2014-04-03. “All of these boats will be named after enlisted Coast Guard heroes, who distinguished themselves in USCG or military service. The first 25 have been named, but only 8 have been commissioned...”
- ↑ Jacqueline L. Urgo. Coast Guard to get 'game changer' cutter to save lives and catch criminals, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 19, 2016. Retrieved on 2016-11-19. “Although the cutter is far from luxurious, its crew quarters provide slightly more room and comfort than earlier models, with larger staterooms, more toilets and sinks, greater storage space, and DirecTV access in the mess areas.”
- ↑ Susan Schept. Enlisted heroes honored, United States Coast Guard, March 22, 2010. Retrieved on 2013-02-01. “After the passing of several well-known Coast Guard heroes last year, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles "Skip" Bowen mentioned in his blog that the Coast Guard does not do enough to honor its fallen heroes.”
- ↑ U.S. Coast Guard announces name for first Sentinel-class cutter, March 22, 2010. Retrieved on 2013-02-01. “Previously designated to be named the Coast Guard Cutter Sentinel, the cutter Bernard C. Webber will be the first of the service's new 153-foot patrol cutters. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen approved the change of the cutter's name to allow this class of vessels to be named after outstanding enlisted members who demonstrated exceptional heroism in the line of duty. This will be the first class of cutters to be named exclusively for enlisted members of the Coast Guard and its predecessor services.”