Coast Guard to Hold In-Commission Special for National Security Cutter

The Coast Guard will hold a ceremony on May 8, 2008 at 1:00 pm in , to acknowledge preliminary acceptance (delivery) and "In-Commission Special" status of its first National Security Cutter, BERTHOLF (WMSL 750).  Not to be confused with a Commissioning, Thursday's event is meant to recognize the importance of reaching this milestone and to formally transfer the cutter to a Coast Guard crew.  "In Commission Special" status begins when the Coast Guard crew takes possession of the vessel.  It then enters a post-delivery period of approximately 22-24 months, during which crew training, operational evaluation and certification, and regularly scheduled maintenance availabilities will occur to ensure it meets all performance and operational requirements.   

Preliminary acceptance is a major milestone in BERTHOLF's transition to full operational status in the Coast Guard's fleet and represents transfer of ownership of the National Security Cutter to the Coast Guard.