Coast Guard officer honored during christening of ship at Ingalls Shipbuilding

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) - A christening ceremony was held to acknowledge National Security Cutter Stone (WMSL 758) at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.

The newest of the flagship cutters commemorates Coast Guard officer Commander Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone, who’s known for making one of the first transatlantic flights in a Navy seaplane. It will be used primarily for search and rescue as well as law enforcement missions to prevent illegal drugs from entering into the country.

Laura Cavallo, Stone’s great-niece, did the honors, officially christening the vessel.

Ingalls Shipbuilding Christening of Stone (WMSL 758)
Watch LIVE the christening ceremony of U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter Stone (WMSL 758), at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Sponsor is Laura Cavallo, great-niece of the ship’s namesake. #IngallsShipbuilding #NSC9
Posted by Huntington Ingalls Industries on Saturday, February 29, 2020

“Today we celebrate the time and talents our shipbuilders have invested in this incredible ship. The success of the National Security Cutter program is a direct reflection of our strong partnership with the Coast Guard and the dedication and capability of a team of Ingalls shipbuilders that continues to successfully deliver some of the most challenging manufacturing projects in the world.”

According to the Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz, the Coast Guard has intercepted 2 million pounds of illicit drugs over the last four years.

“These modern cutters allow our nation to advance all of our national interests, and the success wouldn’t be possible without the partnership that we find right here in Pascagoula with HII,” Schultz said.

#IngallsShipbuilding christening of @USCG National Security Cutter #NSC9 keynote address delivered by CG Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz @ComdtUSCG reiterates the importance of the Legend-class cutters - drug interdictions, freedom missions & more. All built by Ingalls. pic.twitter.com/ZGKvHiXiZS
— Huntington Ingalls Industries (@HIIndustries) February 29, 2020

Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Charles Ray recalled visiting the Coast Guard cutter last year and could tell that what they were building was more than just a ship.

“They were building a ship that was going to do the deeds our nation needed them to do,” Ray said.

#IngallsShipbuilding Christening of #NSC9 speaker, @USCG Vice Commandant Charles Ray @VComdtUSCG thanks the shipbuilders for their dedication. He says, “You can tell these shipbuilders know they aren’t just building ‘a ship,’ they are building a COAST GUARD CUTTER.” pic.twitter.com/YCYqD1tqlm
— Huntington Ingalls Industries (@HIIndustries) February 29, 2020

Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Steven Palazzo also attended the event and noted enthusiasm for the new vessel.

“National Security Cutters like Stone behind me have been game-changers in the Coast Guard in their fight against criminal organizations responsible for the smuggling of hard narcotics into America. Personally, I think Senator Wicker would agree with me that we need more National Security Cutters, not less,” Palazzo said.

At #IngallsShipbuilding #NSC9 christening, @CongPalazzo delivers remarks, “We need more @USCG National Security Cutters. Not less.”
— Huntington Ingalls Industries (@HIIndustries) February 29, 2020

The Stone will be going on sea trials this summer and will be delivered to the Coast Guard in November. It will eventually be homeported in Charleston, South Carolina.