Stratton: A Coast Guard Cutter Worthy Of The Seas?

The USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) is the third Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard. It is a formidable vessel with impressive specifications and capabilities. Named after Coast Guard Captain Dorothy C. Stratton, who served during World War II, the cutter was commissioned in 2012 and has since undertaken various significant missions. With a length of 418 feet, a displacement of 4,500 long tons, and a top speed of over 28 knots, the Stratton is a capable and versatile ship. This paragraph introduces the USCGC Stratton and sets the context for further exploration of its features, performance, and contributions to maritime operations.

The USCGC Stratton's speed and range capabilities

The USCGC Stratton is a Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard with impressive speed and range capabilities. It is named after Coast Guard Captain Dorothy C. Stratton, who served as the director of the SPARS, the Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II.

Stratton's speed capabilities are enhanced by its powerful propulsion system. It is equipped with two MTU 20V 1163 diesel engines, which generate a combined output of 7,400 kW. Additionally, it has a 22 MW LM2500 gas turbine engine, enabling the vessel to reach speeds exceeding 28 knots. This speed, equivalent to approximately 52 km/h or 32 mph, gives the Stratton exceptional mobility and response capabilities, allowing it to swiftly cover significant distances when needed.

The range capabilities of the USCGC Stratton are equally remarkable. With a range of 12,000 nautical miles, or approximately 22,000 kilometers, the vessel has the endurance to undertake long-duration missions and extended operations at sea. This extensive range enhances the Stratton's operational flexibility and enables it to patrol vast areas effectively. The cutter's endurance is further highlighted by its ability to accommodate a large crew complement, with a maximum capacity of 148 individuals, ensuring that it can sustain extended missions comfortably.

The cutter's armament and defence systems

The USCGC Stratton is a Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard with an array of advanced armament and defence systems, making it a formidable vessel for various missions.

In terms of armament, the Stratton is equipped with a MK 110 57 mm gun, a variant of the Bofors 57 mm gun, which is controlled by a Gunfire Control System. This primary weapon provides significant firepower and precision for engaging targets. Additionally, the cutter features a 20 mm Block 1B Baseline 2 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) for close-range defence. The CIWS provides a rapid-fire capability to counter incoming threats, such as anti-ship missiles or enemy aircraft.

The Stratton also has a robust array of machine guns, including four crew-served .50-caliber Browning M2 machine guns and two crew-served M240B 7.62 mm machine guns. These weapons offer versatility and additional firepower for various scenarios, from anti-personnel engagements to suppressing fire.

Beyond its armament, the Stratton boasts impressive defence systems. It is outfitted with advanced radar systems, including the EADS 3D TRS-16 AN/SPS-75 Air Search Radar, SPQ-9B Fire Control Radar, and AN/SPS-79 Surface Search Radar. These radars provide the crew with exceptional situational awareness, enabling the detection, tracking, and engagement of targets in the air and on the surface.

The cutter also incorporates the AN/SLQ-32B(V)2 Electronic Warfare System, enhancing its electronic defence capabilities. This system helps protect the vessel against electronic threats, such as radar-guided missiles or electronic surveillance. The AN/UPX-29A IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system further bolsters the Stratton's defence by providing positive identification of friendly and hostile aircraft or vessels.

The USCGC Stratton's defence capabilities are further augmented by the MK 46 Mod 1 Optical Sighting System and Furuno X and S-band radars. These systems provide accurate targeting information and enhance the cutter's ability to engage targets effectively.

In addition to its armament and defence systems, the Stratton supports aerial operations with a flight deck capable of accommodating a MH-65C Dolphin MCH helicopter. This helicopter significantly expands the cutter's surveillance, reconnaissance, and rescue capabilities.

Overall, the USCGC Stratton's armament and defence systems make it a versatile and well-equipped cutter, capable of handling a wide range of missions and scenarios effectively.

The vessel's role in drug enforcement

The USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) is a Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard. It is named after Coast Guard Captain Dorothy C. Stratton, who served as the director of the SPARS, the Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II. The cutter was christened by First Lady Michelle Obama, who is the ship's sponsor, in July 2010.

The USCGC Stratton has played a significant role in drug enforcement, particularly in the interception of drug-smuggling vessels and the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs. Here is a detailed overview of the vessel's role in drug enforcement:

The USCGC Stratton has been actively involved in counter-drug operations, especially in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which is known as a drug transit zone off the coasts of Central and South America. During a 104-day patrol in 2018, the Stratton crew interdicted seven drug-smuggling vessels in 26 days, including low-profile go-fast vessels. They successfully seized more than 16,000 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $235 million, and detained 23 suspected smugglers. This was a joint effort with multiple U.S. agencies and allied partners to disrupt transnational criminal organizations and prevent illegal drugs from reaching the streets of America.

On July 18, 2015, the USCGC Stratton made a significant drug bust by intercepting a semi-submersible vessel loaded with approximately 16,000 pounds of cocaine. The crew was able to offload more than 12,000 pounds, worth an estimated $181 million, before the craft sank. This seizure is considered one of the largest of its kind.

The USCGC Stratton's role in drug enforcement extends beyond interceptions and seizures. They also work closely with various U.S. agencies, such as the Navy, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to combat transnational organized crime. The vessel's capabilities, including its advanced technology and aviation support facilities, enhance the effectiveness of these operations.

The USCGC Stratton's contributions to drug enforcement have made a significant impact in disrupting criminal networks, seizing illegal drugs, and deterring drug trafficking activities in the regions it patrols. The vessel's involvement in these operations highlights its role in maintaining national security and upholding the rule of law.

The significance of its naming and sponsorship

The USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) is named after Coast Guard Captain Dorothy C. Stratton (1899–2006). Stratton served as the director of the SPARS, the Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II. As such, the cutter is the first "white hull" cutter named after a woman since the 1980s.

The cutter's sponsor is Michelle Obama, who is the first First Lady to sponsor a Coast Guard cutter. On July 23, 2010, she christened the cutter in a ceremony at the shipbuilder's. On March 31, 2012, the cutter was officially commissioned by the Coast Guard in Alameda, California, with First Lady Michelle Obama in attendance.

The crew's discovery of hull issues

The USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) is the third Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard. In April 2012, just a month after its official commissioning, the crew of the Stratton discovered four holes in the hull. This discovery led to the ship being promptly sent to drydock for repairs.

The hull is a critical component of any ship, and its integrity is essential for the safety and efficient operation of the vessel. The crew's discovery of the hull issues was likely a concerning development for the Coast Guard, as it indicated a potential compromise in the ship's structural integrity. While the exact nature and extent of the hull issues are not publicly known, the presence of holes in the hull could have potentially impacted the ship's seaworthiness and ability to perform its duties.

The discovery of hull issues in a newly commissioned ship is unusual, and it raises questions about the construction and quality control processes. It is important to identify and address such issues promptly to maintain the operational readiness of the fleet and ensure the safety of the crew. In this case, the Coast Guard took swift action to address the issue, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

The Stratton's hull issues serve as a reminder of the critical role played by the crew in the ongoing maintenance and safety of a vessel. The crew's vigilance and prompt reporting of the hull issues likely contributed to the swift resolution of the problem. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial in identifying and addressing potential issues before they develop into more significant problems.

The Coast Guard's response to the hull issues on the Stratton is a testament to the organization's professionalism and dedication to safety. By promptly addressing the issue and ensuring the necessary repairs, the Coast Guard maintained the operational readiness of the vessel and upheld their commitment to the safety of their personnel and the public they serve. This incident highlights the importance of a proactive and thorough approach to ship maintenance and the crucial role played by the crew in maintaining the seaworthiness of their vessel.

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