Imagery Release: Fast Response Cutter John McCormick arrives in Ketchikan, Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/18/2017 02:06 AM EDT

united states coast guard

News Release

March 17, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Meredith Manning
 (907) 428-4181
 (907) 321-4513

The Coast Guard Cutter John McCormick (WPC-1121) and crew make way to their homeport at Coast Guard Base Ketchikan in Ketchikan, Alaska, March 17, 2017.  Families await the return of their loved ones stationed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter John McCormick (WPC-1121) arriving to its new home port at the moorings of Coast Guard Base Ketchikan during a homecoming ceremony in Ketchikan, Alaska, March 17, 2017.

Crew members of the Coast Guard Cutter John McCormick engineering department receive a Meritorious Team Commendation award for their casualty control response to a flood in the engine room during the initial days of their voyage at Coast Guard Base Ketchikan, Alaska, March 17, 2017.   Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew McCormick, a crew member aboard the Coast Guard Cutter John McCormick, greets his family after the Fast Response Cutter and crew arrived at its new home port during a homecoming ceremony at Coast Guard Base Ketchikan in Ketchikan, Alaska, March 17, 2017.

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high-resolution version.

Correction: Richard Bracken to Robert Bracken

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter John McCormick (WPC-1121) and its crew arrived to their homeport at Coast Guard Base Ketchikan, Friday afternoon after completing a 6,200-mile trip from Key West, Florida.

The John McCormick is the first fast response cutter on the West Coast and will provide increased capabilities compared to the smaller 110-foot patrol boats it is replacing. 

"We are pleased to welcome the crew of the new Fast Response Cutter John McCormick to the Ketchikan community," said Capt. Shannan Greene, commander of Coast Guard Sector Juneau. "The new cutter and its crew will provide greater service and enhanced capabilities for the southeast Alaska area and its maritime communities."

The 154-foot sentinel-class cutter was named after Boatswain John McCormick who received a Gold Lifesaving Medal for his actions on March 26, 1938.  McCormick rescued Surfman Robert Bracken who fell overboard from the motor lifeboat Triumph at the mouth of the Columbia River.

The FRC is scheduled to be commissioned April 12, 2017.