The U.S. Coast Guard received the 20th fast response cutter (FRC), named after Lawrence Lawson, in Florida, October 20.
The Coast Guard said the ship would be the second FRC stationed in Cape May, New Jersey, and is scheduled for commissioning in early 2017.
The service also noted that the ship was delivered with zero discrepancies for the Coast Guard to address between acceptance trials and acceptance of the ship, pointing to improved efficiency and stability in the production process.
Lawrence Lawson, the ship’s namesake, led the rescue of 18 crewmembers from the foundering steam vessel Calumet on Nov. 28, 1889, as keeper of the Evanston, Illinois, Lifeboat Station. After two failed attempts to fire a rescue line in icy conditions, Lawson launched a surfboat and led his crew through three trips through the breakers to fully evacuate the ship. For his leadership, Lawson received the Gold Lifesaving Medal on Oct. 17, 1890.
The Coast Guard is obtaining 58 FRCs to patrol coastal regions and replace the 1980s-era 110-foot Island-class patrol boats. The cutters are 154 feet long, with endurance for five days.
Of the 38 FRCs ordered, 18 are in service: six in Key West, six in Miami, and six in San Juan.