The US Coast Guard christened its ninth Legend-class national security cutter, Stone (WMSL 758), at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division on February 29.
The ship honors Coast Guard officer Cmdr. Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone, who made history in 1919 for being one of the two coast guard pilots to successfully make the first transatlantic flight in a navy seaplane. Stone’s great niece, Laura Cavallo, officially christened the ship.
“Today we celebrate the time and talents our shipbuilders have invested in this incredible ship,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias said. “The success of the National Security Cutter program is a direct reflection of our strong partnership with the Coast Guard and the dedication and capability of a team of Ingalls shipbuilders that continues to successfully deliver some of the most challenging manufacturing projects in the world.”
The Legend-class NSC is the largest, most technologically advanced ship in the coast guard’s fleet. 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.
The coast guard flagships are armed with six .50 caliber machine guns, one MK 110 57 mm turret mounted gun, 3D air search radar, aircraft hangers and a stern launch ramp for mission boats.
