The Coast Guard commissioned its 56th Fast Response Cutter, the first to be stationed in the Pacific Northwest, during a June 27 ceremony in Astoria, Ore. presided over by Pacific Area Commander Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson.
David Duren is the first of three planned Fast Response Cutters (FRC) to be homeported in Astoria.
The cutter’s namesake, Master Chief Petty Officer David Duren, enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1965 and retired in 1993. During his career, Duren received two Coast Guard Medals for exceptional heroism and the Douglas Munro Inspirational Leadership Award.
He deployed on search-and-rescue cases more than any other officer-in-charge at the time and during one year, he participated in 250 cases. Personnel under his command received a total of 24 medals and awards.
Members from the Duren family were on hand during the commissioning, including the cutter’s sponsor, Dawn Duren.
The David Duren’s crew is expected to primarily serve in the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Columbia River. The FRC is designed for multiple missions, including search and rescue; fishery patrols; ports, waterways and coastal security; drug and migrant interdiction, and national defense.
The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest, and improved habitability and seakeeping.
A commissioning ceremony represents the readiness of a cutter to conduct Coast Guard operations and marks her entry into active service.