US Coast Guard commissions newest fast response cutter USCGC Vincent Danz

May 25, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Coast Guard has commissioned its newest fast response cutter, USCGC Vincent Danz (WPC 1162), for official entry into its service fleet.

As informed, the ceremony took place on May 22 in New York City. The Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, Vice Adm. Thomas Allan, presided over the ceremony. Members of the Danz family were also in attendance, including the cutter’s sponsor, Angela Donohue, widow of the late Vincent Danz.

The cutter’s namesake, Vincent Danz, was serving in the New York City Police Department, Emergency Services Unit, ESU Truck 3, when he responded to the World Trade Center as part of a massive emergency response and was killed when the World Trade Center collapsed. He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department’s Medal of Honor for his heroic deeds. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and joined the New York City Police Department in 1987, while continuing to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve as a Port Security Specialist 2nd Class.

USCGC Vincent Danz is the 62nd Sentinel-class FRC in the service and the fourth of five FRCs to be homeported in Guam with US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. The crew of the Vincent Danz will primarily serve US and mutual interests in Oceania with an emphasis on the Micronesia and Melanesian sub-regions. The unit was delivered in February this year.

US Coast Guard takes delivery of 62nd fast response cutter

Vessels

The cutter is a multi-mission platform. The vessel will conduct maritime security operations, combat illegal activity, support search and rescue missions, and strengthen partnerships with Pacific Island nations and allies.

Vincent Danz will join the Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139), Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), and Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143), all of which were commissioned in Guam.

The US Coast Guard ordered a series of new FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class patrol boats.

Using the $25 billion provided by the historic Fiscal Year 2025 budget reconciliation, which includes $1 billion for additional FRCs, the US Coast Guard has already ordered over $13 billion in new fleet assets and capabilities.