Sparks flew Friday in Bayou La Batre as the city, a Birdon shipyard and the U.S. Coast Guard marked an early milestone for a new class of ships that will help keep traffic flowing on the nation’s waterways for decades to come.
A large delegation of Coast Guard service members attended as Birdon held a triple keel authentication ceremony for three Waterway Commerce Cutters. They are the first three ships in a new class that will replace vessels that have been in service for more than 60 years in some cases.
“Their sole purpose is to assure America’s economic prosperity by facilitating commerce along our inland river system,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Phillip N. Waldron, speaking about the need for the vessels. “Economic prosperity is national defense. Every year, 422 million tons of cargo worth $57 billion flow through these rivers. And they’re guided by the aids of navigation that these cutters will soon hook, hang and set.”…