The US Coast Guard has commissioned the first Sentinel-class fast response cutter to be homeported in Kodiak, Alaska.
The USCGC John Witherspoon (WPC-1158) will be the 58th vessel of the force’s Sentinel fleet, which is responsible for maritime defense, law enforcement, response, and environmental protection throughout American waters.
After the ship’s arrival, two additional Sentinels, the Earl Cunningham (WPC-1159) and Frederick Mann (WPC-1160), will also be stationed in Kodiak later this year.
USCGC John Witherspoon
The Witherspoon was named after the first African-American commander of a US Coast Guard medium-class cutter.
For his service, he received a Meritorious Service Medal, two Commendation Medals, and a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award.
Witherspoon eventually became the inspiration for the Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award, which is granted to officers, active duty, and reserve servicemen recognized for their outstanding leadership.
The Sentinel System
Developed by Bollinger Shipyards, the Sentinel-class vessel measures 47 meters (154 feet) and can carry more than 20 people as well as a small support boat.
The ship is armed with a 25-millimeter shipboard weapon system and multiple crew-served machine guns, and is equipped with advanced sensors for surface and aerial search, navigation, and friend-or-foe identification functions.
It is fitted with two 5,800-horsepower MTU engines and a bow thruster with 1,010 horsepower for a top speed over 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour).
