Multimedia Release

SAN FRANCISCO - The Coast Guard Cutter Stratton steams by Alcatraz Island during it's arrival into San Francisco, Dec. 19, 2011. The newest National Security Cutter made it's way into the Bay Area toward it's new home of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Barry Bena.

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Vice Adm. Manson K. Brown, Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, welcomes Capt. Charles L. Cashin, Coast Guard Cutter Stratton commanding officer, and the crew of Stratton to their new homeport of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Dec. 19, 2011. The Stratton arrived to Coast Guard Island and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sondra-Kay Rivera.

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Coast Guard cutter Stratton moored at Pier 27 in San Francisco to pick up family and friends before heading to their new homeport of Coast Guard Island, Alameda, Dec. 19, 2011. Family and friends also welcomed the cutter at the Coast Guard Island Pier with signs and holiday music. The Stratton is scheduled to be commissioned in 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sondra-Kay Rivera.

ALAMEDA, Calif.- Petty Officer 1st Class Marika L. Benggio, a crewmember aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, and daughter Makaila stand on the flight deck of Stratton patiently waiting to head to their new homeport of Coast Guard Island, Alameda, Dec. 19, 2011. The Stratton arrived to Coast Guard Island and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sondra-Kay Rivera.

For video of the Stratton's arrival into the San Francisco Bay, click HERE.

The Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, named for Dorothy C. Stratton, is the third of eight planned Legend Class cutters following the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf and Waesche.

The 418-foot cutter has a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles and a crew of 110. It's equipped with a 4,000 square-foot flight deck that is outfitted with an automated landing and dual track hangaring system.

Stratton is also equipped with two Short Range Prosecutor small boats that can be deployed and recovered from the stern launch system, increasing the ability to launch and recover boats in heavy seas.

The cutter's sponsor is Michelle Obama, the first First Lady to sponsor a Coast Guard cutter. On July 23, 2010 Michelle Obama christened the cutter in a ceremony at the ship builder's.  The ship will be commissioned at a ceremony on Coast Guard Island in March.

For more information about Dorothy C. Stratton

http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/DStrattonBio.asp

CGC Stratton website:

http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/cgcStratton/