By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest
KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 150 service members and guests, including some Sailors, attended a traditional commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Sea Devil (WPB 87368) held at Naval Base (NB) Kitsap Keyport pier, June 20.
The crew of Sea Devil now joins the Coast Guard's Marine Force Protection Unit (MFPU) at NB Kitsap.
"The Coast Guard and the Navy have a long-standing tradition of cooperation and partnership in support of our nation's maritime security and defense," said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. John P. Currier, commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District. "The Coast Guard Cutter Sea Devil embodies that strong relationship between our seagoing services."
He acted as the commissioning officer during the ceremony.
"The crew of Sea Devil is pleased to present to you our cutter," said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Alanna G. Kaltsas, the ship's commander. "As we made our first transit on board the Sea Devil from Florida to Washington, we faced many obstacles and challenges. Thanks to my hardworking crew we have made it here safely and with countless lessons learned."
The MFPU enforces protective zones for naval vessels by leveraging inherent Coast Guard authorities to provide a dedicated and layered force protection capability to ensure safe passage in and out of homeport. These "vigilant guardians" provide fleet security to the U.S. Navy through: deterrence by presence; protection by escort; defense by force; and terrorism prevention through strategic partnership.
During the ceremony, Anne Symonds had the honor to bring the ship to life as the cutter's sponsor.
"I am proud to represent the Sea Devil," said Symonds. "Since 1846, historic ceremonies were held to commission ships, and I get to represent the men and women who are our heroes by being a sponsor for this cutter."
The 87-foot Marine Protector Class cutter has a crew of 10 and a maximum speed of more than 25 knots. The crew of Sea Devil will augment the marine force protection assets in Puget Sound.
For Yeoman 2nd Class Scott Edwards, Marine Force Protection Unit (MFPU), having a cutter present aids in their mission accomplishment.
"Having a cutter here will really help our mission to provide escort and safety for our high value assets," said Edwards. "I am excited to work with the new crew and this will extensively bring us together as a team, which is important to our operation."