Media availability: Coast Guard to decommission 9th High Endurance Cutter

Media availability: Coast Guard to decommission 9th High Endurance Cutter

HONOLULU — Media are invited to observe the decommissioning of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sherman (WHEC 720), the Coast Guard's ninth High Endurance Cutter, Thursday.

Sherman’s operational resume includes action in the Vietnam War, major drug interdictions – including the largest individual cocaine seizure in U.S. history, maritime law enforcement cases, living marine resource protection, alien migration interdiction and numerous rescues.

Sherman was launched Sept. 3, 1968, and was the sixth of 12 Hamilton-class High Endurance Cutters built by Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. High Endurance Cutters are the largest cutters, aside from the three major Icebreakers and National Security Cutters, ever built for the Coast Guard.

Sherman is also one of only two Coast Guard Cutters to hold the Vietnam Service Award and only Coast Guard Cutter to hold the Combat Action Ribbon for action in the Vietnam War. Sherman is the last remaining active U.S. warship in the Coast Guard or Navy to have sunk an enemy vessel in combat.

WHO: Vice Adm. Fred Midgette, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, will preside over the ceremony.

WHAT: Decommissioning ceremony for Coast Guard's ninth High Endurance Cutter.

WHEN: Thursday, March 29, at 2 p.m. Media should arrive at Coast Guard Base Honolulu no later than 1:15 p.m.

WHERE: Coast Guard Base Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Media will be met at the front gate and escorted.

Please RSVP to Coast Guard 14th District External Affairs at 808-341-9849 or 808-535-3230 by 3 p.m., Wednesday.

-USCG-