Coast Guard cutter launched

The U.S. Coast Guard announced the launch of its third Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter, the William Flores, at Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La. The launch of the 154-foot cutter into the waters of Bayou Lafourche marks a production milestone as the Fast Response Cutter readies for sea trials, delivery, crew training and eventual commissioning. The William Flores is scheduled to be delivered and commissioned in 2012. The cutter will be homeported in Miami, with a crew of 24 to conduct alien migrant interdiction operations, port, waterways and coastal security patrols, search and rescue and national defense missions. (Source: U.S. Coast Guard, 11/29/11)