Coast Guard Cutter Albacore Sails Home to New London

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Albacore are claiming New London as their new homeport, Friday, according to a press release.

The Cutter Albacore has replaced the Coast Guard Cutter Chinook, as a part of the Coast Guard’s Bow-to-Stern dry dock program.

The 87-foot “Bow-to-Stern” initiative is a $49 million, 4-year recurring maintenance cycle for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area 87-foot coastal patrol boat fleet.

The program boosts the predictability of fleet operational schedules, eases personnel tempo, and saves the Coast Guard $2.2 million annually with no reduction in fleet operational hours.

After finishing 15 years of service in New London, the crew of the Chinook sailed to the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore Aug. 16, to begin the dry dock program. On Aug. 18, the crew of the Chinook took control of the Albacore following its completed dry dock period.

“The crew and I are eager to get to work and follow in Chinook’s proud operational legacy in Long Island Sound and beyond,” said Lt. Andrew Price, commanding officer of the Albacore. “The Albacore will soon be a welcome sight to distressed boaters, a close ally to port partners, and a steadfast defender of our ports and waterways.”