PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- An Alameda, Calif. based cutter crew conducted small arms training at a firing range here in preparation for the acceptance and delivery of the National Security Cutter Bertholf.  

Weapons training is an essential part of qualifications needed for the Bertholf to conduct law enforcement missions. The crew shot the .40 caliber pistol and M-16 rifle at the Fair Hope Alabama Fraternal Order of Police Range Wednesday and Thursday.

Crewmembers are preparing to be mission ready for Bertholf's trip to its homeport at Alameda.  Training areas of emphasis include law enforcement, firefighting, damage control and small boat operations.

Like the crew, the Bertholf is capable of meeting all maritime homeland security missions.  At 418 feet, the Legend Class National Security Cutter is the largest and most technologically advanced multi-mission craft in the Coast Guard.

In comparison to the Coast Guard's current fleet of high endurance cutters, the National Security Cutter is expected provide better sea keeping and higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and a greater ability to launch and recover improved small boats, helicopters and eventually unmanned aerial vehicles.
 

The Bertholf has berthing space for 148 crewmembers and has an operating range of up to 12,000 miles at its most efficient speed.

The Coast Guard is scheduled to take possession of the 418-foot cutter in mid-April.
 

PHOTO 1

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Hallmark of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf fires an M-16 rifle during small arms training, Feb. 28, 2008. Hallmark is a small arms instructor and must qualify with the pistol, rifle and shotgun every six months to maintain his instructor certification. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Anderson.

PHOTO 2

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Seaman Justin Minor, left, of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf prepares to shoot the M-16 rifle qualification course, Feb. 28, 2008. During qualification, shooter's fire from prone, sitting and standing positions. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Anderson.

PHOTO 3

Pascagoula, Miss. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Enedina Galaviz, left, of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf takes aim with a SIG P229-DAK .40 caliber pistol while Chief Petty Officer Richard Sambenedetto, a small arms instructor, supervises, Feb. 27, 2008. All shooters on a Coast Guard range are supervised by a small arms instructor to ensure the highest levels of safety. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Anderson.

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