Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has christened the US Coast Guard’s new national security cutter Stone (WMSL 758).
Stone, which is the ninth Legend-class NSC to be built at Ingalls, was christened on February 29, 2020.
“Over the last four years, we as a Coast Guard have interdicted 2 million pounds of illicit drugs,” Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz said on the occasion.
“These modern cutters allow our nation to advance all of our national interests, and the success wouldn’t be possible without the partnership that we find right here in Pascagoula with HII.”
“National security cutters like Stone behind me have been game changers in the Coast Guard in their fight against criminal organizations responsible for the smuggling of hard narcotics into America,” Rep. Steven Palazzo commented.
The Legend-class NSC is the largest, most technologically advanced ship in the Coast Guard’s fleet which enables it to meet the high demands required for maritime and homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defense missions.
NSCs are 418 feet long with a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 120.
Honored to join the @USCG to christen USCGC Stone, the 9th Legend-class National Security Cutter to join the Coast Guard fleet.
Built by the talented shipbuilders at @HIIndustries , Stone is the first Coast Guard cutter to be named for an aviator. pic.twitter.com/4ITcbDUlcf
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) February 29, 2020