Coast Guard Commissions Cutter David Duren in Astoria, Oregon

In a significant milestone for the U.S. Coast Guard, the 56th Fast Response Cutter (FRC), the Coast Guard Cutter David Duren, was commissioned on June 27, 2024, in a ceremony in Astoria, Oregon. This commissioning marks the first time an FRC will be stationed in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the strategic importance of the region.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, Pacific Area Commander. The Duren family attended the event, including the cutter’s sponsor, Dawn Duren.

As is tradition, the Coast Guard Foundation contributed $5,000 to establish the cutter’s morale fund.

“We are honored to support the crew of the Cutter David Duren,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard foundation. “Our support for their morale and wellness directly impacts the crew’s readiness and effectiveness, and we are proud to stand by them as they carry out their critical missions."

The crew of the David Duren will operate primarily in the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Columbia River. The Sentinel-class FRC is designed for a range of missions, including search and rescue; fishery patrols; ports, waterways, and coastal security; drug and migrant interdiction, and national defense.

About the Cutter’s Namesake
The cutter is named in honor of Master Chief Petty Officer David Duren, who served in the Coast Guard from 1965 until his retirement in 1993.

David Duren’s illustrious career included becoming a heavy weather coxswain and graduating from the Coast Guard’s National Motor Lifeboat School in 1969, earning the title of Coast Guard surfman No. 100.

Duren was highly decorated, receiving two Coast Guard Medals for exceptional heroism and the Douglas Munro Inspirational Leadership Award. Known for his commitment to search and rescue missions, he led more cases than any other officer-in-charge at the time, with 250 cases in a single year. Under his leadership, his team received 24 medals and awards.

The Coast Guard Foundation's Admiral John B. Hayes Award for overall excellence and professionalism was presented to the crew of the Cutter Point Ledge for their outstanding achievements in 1988. They responded to over 25 search and rescue cases that year; Master Chief David Duren accepted the award on behalf of the crew at the 1989 Pacific Area Awards Dinner, which was held annually in San Francisco.

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In the cover photo, Coast Guard Cutter David Duren transits near the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse as it enters the Columbia River near Astoria. for the first time on May 20, 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)