The 418-foot National Security Cutter Waesche was commissioned by the the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard Vice Adm. David Pekoske on Coast Guard Island in Alameda.
The cutter Waesche, named for Adm. Russell Waesche who was the Coast Guard's longest serving commandant and was credited with expanding guard's service, is the second of eight national security cutters slated for future production.
The ship is designed to improve operational readiness along the country's west coastline with higher sustained speed capabilities as well as greater endurance and range. The new ship is also expected to be more effective in rescue missions with abilities to launch and recover small boats, helicopters and eventually unmanned aerial vehicles, according to a statement released by the Coast Guard.
