Coast Guard Commissions New National Security Cutter In Boston

BOSTON (AP) — The Coast Guard has commissioned its newest Legend-class national security cutter at a ceremony in Boston.

The James is named for Capt. Joshua James, who was credited with saving more than 600 lives while serving in Hull, south of Boston, with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service in 1915 to create the modern Coast Guard.

James' great-great niece, Charlene Benoit of Milford, Connecticut, is the ship's sponsor. She and its commander, Capt. Andrew Tiongson of Somerville, Massachusetts, gave the ceremonial order Saturday for the James to "come to life."

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft spoke at the ceremony.

The 418-foot, 4,500-ton cutter has a crew of 119. It is the fifth of eight planned national security cutters. Its homeport will be Charleston, South Carolina.