WHO: Media
WHAT: Media tour of new Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Rollin Fritch.
WHERE: Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, Cape May, N.J.
WHEN: 2 p.m., Nov. 18, 2016.
PHILADELPHIA – Media is invited to attend a special media tour of the Mid-Atlantic’s newest Coast Guard cutter, the 154-foot Fast Response Cutter Rollin Fritch, in Cape May, New Jersey, Nov. 18, 2016.
The media tour will take place the day before the ship’s actual commissioning, which is Nov. 19, 2016.
Media will be allowed to interview members of the crew on the jobs and duties while stationed aboard the Rollin Fritch.
The commissioning of a ship is an age-old tradition where the vessel is assigned to active service and the crew ceremoniously reports aboard to accept their positions.
The 154-foot Fast Response Cutter will perform missions such as law enforcement, search and rescue, port security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant enforcement
The Rollin Fritch crew will be homeported in Cape May and will operate off the Coast from New Jersey through North Carolina.
The Rollin Fritch, the 19th Fast Response Cutter, is named after Coast Guard Seaman 1st Class Rollin A. Fritch. During a kamikaze attack off of Luzon in the Philippine Islands, Fritch manned his gun while Japanese airplanes attacked the ship. Fritch remained at his station, firing his weapon to help save his shipmates, until a kamikaze plane collided with his position, ending his life. Fritch was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his selfless actions.
Attendees are asked to RSVP with Petty Officer Seth Johnson by 4 p.m., Nov. 16.
Please call 609-813-3888 to RSVP.
Closed toe, flat shoes are recommended for attendees.