The Coast Guard welcomed its newest vessel, the Cutter Calhoun, in a time-honored commissioning ceremony on April 20 at its Charleston, South Carolina, homeport.

The commissioning marked a significant milestone in the Coast Guard's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance operational readiness to safeguard the nation's maritime safety and security.

The cutter is named in honor of the service’s first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Charles L. Calhoun, a distinguished member of the Coast Guard renowned for his exemplary service and leadership.

“What a monumental day for this crew, our service, and the legacy of Master Chief Calhoun,” said Capt. Timothy Sommella, commanding officer of Calhoun. “Now that Calhoun has entered active service, we are ready to serve alongside our fellow cutters and interagency partners in protecting the American people from threats here at home and abroad. The crew has worked tirelessly to see this day and is very proud.”

The Coast Guard Foundation honored the crew with a $15,000 gift to start its morale fund.

"We are proud to offer our support to the Calhoun,” said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. “May it serve as a reminder of our gratitude and appreciation for their service.”

Calhoun, the 10th Legend-class national security cutter, joins other cutters of that class, Hamilton, James, and Stone in Charleston.

The national security cutter is 418 feet long and boasts top-notch command and control gear, the capacity to deploy small boats and aircraft, and a sophisticated engineering system, rendering it the most adaptable cutter within the Coast Guard fleet. Its key missions include counterdrug operations, border security, safeguarding marine resources, and defense support to U.S. combatant commanders worldwide.

About the Cutter’s Namesake
The first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Charles L. Calhoun, led a distinguished career, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II before enlisting in the Coast Guard in 1946. Calhoun’s Coast Guard career was marked by more than 14 years of sea service, including service in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Calhoun became the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard on Aug. 27, 1969. He was a champion for the service’s enlisted personnel and was responsible for bridging the gap between Coast Guard commanders and the enlisted workforce.

“I’m honored to share the job title, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard with Charles Calhoun,” said Heath Jones, 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. “His efforts as a voice for the enlisted workforce created significant, lasting culture change within the Coast Guard. His dedication to people, the most precious resource we have, and the challenges he faced paved the way for the talent transformation work we’re doing today.”

In the cover photo, Capt. Timothy Sommella, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Aaron Deluca, command senior enlisted leader, pose for a portrait in front of the Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 1, 2023. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Dickinson