Cutter Bertholf Is Launched

U.S. Coast Guard | October 04, 2006

Pascagoula, MS. - On Friday the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) completed her launch into the water.

"It's a magnificent ship and this is a hallmark day for the Coast Guard," said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Patrick Stadt, Prospective Commanding Officer of the Bertholf. "The Coast Guard's Project Manager Resident Office here that works with Northrop Grumman has experienced a great relationship with the shipyard and their employees for the past several years. I've been associated with the office myself recently and have worked with ship superintendents and shipyard workers on a daily basis. These are all very fine people and good professionals and it shows in the quality of work embodied in Bertholf today."

A ship launching involves a precise schedule of events that includes moving a ship across land via the company's rail transfer system and ends with the ship in the center of the shipyard's floating drydock. Following a complete hull survey and pre-launch inspection, water is pumped through a ballast system into the walls of the drydock to float the ship. Tug boats then move the ship to her berth.

With the successful launch of Bertholf, shipyard workers will prepare the ship for her christening, scheduled for Nov. 11, 2006.

We thank www.military.com for this information.

See more photos of the Cutter Bertholf