The new 158-foot Sentinel (Webber) class cutter USCGC David Duren (WPC-1156) sailed into their new homeport of Astoria, Oregon, and became the first Fast Response Cutter to be homeported in the Pacific Northwest.
In doing so, she crossed the Columbia River Bar, known to mariners as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” escorted by a quartet of 47-foot Motor Lifeboats from the famed National Motor Lifeboat School located in Ilwaco, Washington, making a series of great images.
Photos by Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Tom Molloy:
As noted by the USCG:
The cutter is named after Master Chief Petty Officer David Duren, a distinguished Coast Guard Surfman.
During his service in the Pacific Northwest, Duren used his Surfman skills and bravery to save many lives, earning the nickname “Big Wave Dave.”Considered perhaps the finest boat driver in the history of the modern Coast Guard, he is remembered by his shipmates and mentees not only for his expertise in seamanship, but also for his leadership and character. Between 1979 and 1983, Duren deployed on search and rescue cases more frequently than any other officer-in-charge and, in one year, executed over 250 cases. During this tour, Duren received two Coast Guard Medals for exceptional heroism, and the Douglas A. Munro Inspirational Leadership Award. Perhaps more remarkable was the fact that the personnel under his watch at Depoe Bay earned a total of 24 medals and awards.
The legacy of Duren’s incredible bravery and dedication will live on through the missions performed by this new cutter for years to come.
Delivered by Bollinger in March– the 182nd vessel built for the USCG by the yard and the 56th FRC delivered– Duren is scheduled to be commissioned in late June.
In related news, the USCG exercised a contract option to award Bollinger two additional FRCs in late May. This announcement brings the total number of FRCs awarded to Bollinger up to 67 vessels since the program’s inception.