The Coast Guard Cutter Albacore is lowered into the water while the Coast Guard Cutter Chinook is moored at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 19, 2015. The Albacore, homeported in New London, Conn, replaced the Chinook under the 87-foot “Bow-to-Stern” program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Andrew Price)
A Coast Guard Yard crane lifts the Coast Guard Cutter Chinook, home-ported in New London, Conn., out of the water to begin planned maintenance on the coastal patrol boat under the 87-foot “Bow-to-Stern" program Aug. 19, 2015. Each "Bow-to-Stern" boat will be at the Yard for a 60-day maintenance period. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Andrew Price)
The Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Md., delivers the Coast Guard Cutter Albacore Aug. 19, 2015, as part of the the 87-foot “Bow-To-Stern” project. The Yard achieved planned maintenance for the Albacore in 60 days on time and under budget. The cutter is homeported in New London, Conn. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Andrew Price)NEW LONDON, Conn. – Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Albacore are claiming New London as their new homeport, Friday.
The Cutter Albacore has replaced the Coast Guard Cutter Chinook, as a part of the Coast Guard’s Bow-to-Stern dry dock program.
The 87-foot “Bow-to-Stern” initiative is a $49 million, 4-year recurring maintenance cycle for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area 87-foot coastal patrol boat fleet.
The program boosts the predictability of fleet operational schedules, eases personnel tempo, and saves the Coast Guard $2.2 million annually with no reduction in fleet operational hours.
After finishing 15 years of service in New London, the crew of the Chinook sailed to the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore Aug. 16, to begin the dry dock program. On Aug. 18, the crew of the Chinook took control of the Albacore following its completed dry dock period.
"The crew and I are eager to get to work and follow in Chinook's proud operational legacy in Long Island Sound and beyond,” said Lt. Andrew Price, commanding officer of the Albacore. “The Albacore will soon be a welcome sight to distressed boaters, a close ally to port partners, and a steadfast defender of our ports and waterways."
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Editor’s note: Media are invited to come meet the crew and take a tour of the Coast Guard cutter Albacore Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.