Modern Coast Guard Cutter Makes Inaugural Sail From SF

TREASURE ISLAND, CA -- With all the modern conveniences and high technology advances, it's not your granddaddy's ship. But the new U.S. Coast Guard cutter due to go out Monday for its inaugural sail patrolling the Pacific Coast from Oregon to South America is tied to a historic past.

The Robert Ward, named after the hero who rescued two crews with beach-landing boats during the Normandy invasion in France 75 years ago, exemplifies a highly sophisticated cruising marvel designed to conduct law enforcement missions and rescues. The ship to be based in Long Beach is equipped with the latest technology to run missions involving reconnaissance and surveillance.

An oversized dingy ready for launch is tucked into the hull of the four-deck ship intended as part of its national security team.

"It's much easier for us to launch this boat than to try to maneuver the ship alongside another boat," Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Davne told Patch on a tour Sunday of the 1 day-old vessel. She was commissioned on Saturday.

Spanning 154 feet long and weighing 350 tons, the $60 million, mid-sized cutter that took nine months to build and complete in August at Bollinger's Louisiana shipyard is steered by a joystick about six inches long.

Her bridge where all the ship's commands are made has a slew of computer screens with electronic charts that would put any airplane to shame. One section is dedicated to driving it. Another covers the navigational operations, which comes with a backup that even includes maps. The crew is well versed at using the old standard and the modern method.

The engine room is equally impressive, with a giant German-built motor that looks like something one would find in a race car on steroids. After all, she can travel at a formidable clip at a maximum speed of 28 knots (32.22mph).

At the bow, she's in a ready-fire mode with a 25mm gun that launches a chain of ammunition in case of a severe encounter. The Coast Guard is responsible for alleviating maritime drug running. Those encounters, among others, can turn deadly. For good measure, she also has machine guns attached to the rails on both sides of the bow.

In the event of a fire, duffles bags are packed in compartments at the bow with suits surrounding the boots, ready for firefighters to jump in.

"We have our own fire department. It's not like someone will come out to respond," the 10-year Coast Guard veteran said. "Everyone has a job on the cutter fleet."

The Robert Ward accommodates a crew of 24, with room for three more, yet the bunkbed quarters are tiny. Two people hold the distinction of being the onboard chefs, managing supplies for five days on its 2,500-mile journeys.

The crew ran operational exercises to show off the Fast Response cutter on Wednesday, while it was docked at the Treasure Island station where the buoy tender ships regularly sit.