Crew members man the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon for the first time after its commissioning and salute symbolizing they have officially manned their stations, at a commissioning ceremony in Tampa, Fla., Saturday, June 20, 2015. The Richard Dixon is Puerto Rico's first fast response cutter to be commissioned. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley J. Johnson)
Virginia Dixon, sponsor of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon, receives a plaque with the cutter's coin from Lt. David M. Gilbert, commanding officer of the Richard Dixon, during the cutter's commissioning ceremony at the Port of Tampa, Fla., Saturday, June 20, 2015. Dixon is the wife of the cutter’s namesake. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley J. Johnson)
Master Chief Petty Officer Jason D. Griffon, the command master chief for the Coast Guard 7th District, hoists the national ensign aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon during a commissioning ceremony in Tampa, Fla., Saturday, June 20, 2015. The Richard Dixon is Puerto Rico's first fast response cutter to be commissioned. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley J. Johnson)
Ron Valiquette, a man rescued by the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon’s namesake, Senior Chief Petty Officer Richard Dixon, hands the first officer of the deck, Chief Petty Officer Brandon R. Stracener, the ship's long glass in the traditional ceremony of setting the first watch at Port of Tampa, Fla., Saturday, June 20, 2015. The officer of the deck is the commanding officer’s direct representative and, while on watch, is in charge of safety and smooth operation of the ship and crew. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley J. Johnson)
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished him or herself in the line of duty. This vessel is named after the Coast Guard heroRichard Dixon. Dixon, a First Class Boatswain's Mate stationed at Tillamook Bay, Oregon, was awarded two Coast Guard Medals, equivalent of the Gold Lifesaving Medal, for his heroic actions on the July Fourth weekend in 1980. A series of dangerous storms swept across the Pacific Northwest and two boating incidents could have ended in disaster. Dixon and his crew courageously performed two separate rescues that weekend in the treacherous storm conditions saving the lives of nine individuals, which included the captain of the motor vessel Fantasy Isle.