Alaska is set to host a commissioning ceremony for its second Sentinel-class U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bailey Barco in Juneau, Alaska, on June 14.
Bailey Barco will become the second of overall six 154-foot fast response cutters stationed in Alaska.
The cutters are designed to patrol coastal regions and feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, including the ability to launch and recover standardized small boats from the stern.
The cutter is named after Bailey Barco, Dam Neck Life-Saving Station’s Keeper. Barco received a Gold Lifesaving Medal Oct. 7, 1901, for his heroic actions during the rescue of the crew of the schooner Jennie Hall. On December 21, 1900, the Jennie Hall ran aground in a severe winter storm off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bailey Barco proceeded to the scene with his crew took command and ultimately brought five survivors to safety.
The commissioning will be presided by Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette, Coast Guard Pacific Area commander. Attendees include 17th District commander, Rear Adm. Michael McAllister; Coast Guard Sector Juneau commander, Capt. Shannan Greene; and cutter Bailey Barco’s commanding officer, Lt. Frank Reed. Also in attendance is the cutter’s sponsor Carol Lash Push, great-granddaughter of Bailey Barco.
The Coast Guard is acquiring 58 FRCs to replace the 110-foot Island-class patrol boats. The FRCs are designed for missions including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; search and rescue; and national defense.
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished him or herself in the line of duty.