Stratton is the third of eight planned National Security Cutters being built in Pascagoula for the U.S. Coast Guard. With its 418-foot length and 4,700 ton full load displacement and state-of-the art command and control systems, the NSC is the largest and most technologically advanced of the new multi-mission cutters.
"Here in Pascagoula, you've been building ships for centuries," said Mrs. Obama. "It's in your blood—a proud tradition passed from generation to generation. Your hands have given us some of the greatest ships in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. So whether you're a welder or a fitter or a burner—whatever your craft —today is also a tribute to you and your families, and America thanks you."
Stratton is named in honor of Captain Dorothy C. Stratton (1899-2006), the U.S. Coast Guard's first female commissioned officer and director of the SPARS ("Semper Paratus - Always Ready"), the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II. SPARS mainly replaced men in shore stations during most of the war; however as the war progressed SPARS were placed in charge of greater areas of previously male-only control —including as parachute riggers, aviation machinists' mates and air control tower operators. Several former SPARS attended the ceremony.
In his ceremony remarks, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding president Mike Petters recognized all of the shipbuilders who are building Stratton and added, "Captain Stratton was truly a trailblazer – and I know that
her passion and energy will be embodied in this great ship named for her, built by the best shipbuilders in the world."
To read more about the christening event, visit:
http://www.sb.northropgrumman.com/products/nationalsecuritycutter/stratton
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