New cutter to be christened

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- The fifth Legend class U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, James (WMSL 754), will be christened Saturday at Ingalls Shipbuilding. The ship is named for Capt. Joshua James of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which became part of the Coast Guard in 1915. James is credited with saving hundreds of lives starting when he was 15. He died in 1902. Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger, vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, will be the keynote speaker at the christening. Mrs. Charlene James Benoit, great-great niece of the ship's namesake, is the ship sponsor. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., will also speak at the ceremony. (Source: Ingalls, 08/13/14)