Coast Guard
Coast Guard Cutter Stratton returns to California homeport after 111 days deployed to Bering Sea
Stars and Stripes
April 23, 2024
U.S. Coast Guard Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and crew return to homeport in Alameda, Calif., Sunday, April 21, 2024. Stratton and crew conducted a 111-day Alaskan deployment to the Bering Sea. (Charly Tautfest/U.S. Coast Guard)
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton returned to its homeport in Alameda, Calif., on Sunday after a 111-day deployment to the Bering Sea.
Stratton’s mission included protecting fishing vessels, search and rescue operations, and protection of the nation’s northern borders, according to a service news release.
During deployment, the crew of the Stratton:
• Conducted 18 boardings in key Alaskan fishing spots such as Slime Bank, Dutch Harbor and St. Paul Island.
• Questioned 98 fishing vessels to ensure commercial vessels were legally operating in the region.
• Detained an individual who was wanted for an active arrest warrant. The individual was transported to local authorities in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
The cutter’s presence in the region ensured rapid response to emergencies.
A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) crew member gets a warm welcome home after returning to Alameda, Calif., Sunday, April 21, 2024. (Charly Tautfest/U.S. Coast Guard)
“I’m extremely proud of this crew and all they have accomplished,” said Capt. Brian Krautler, commanding officer of Stratton. “Their expertise and commitment enabled our successful operations. The Bering Sea is notorious for its harsh conditions, and our presence ensures rapid response to emergencies, safeguarding lives at sea.”
Also while deployed, Stratton regularly worked with Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak’s MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and air crews. Stratton completed 363 helicopter landings with Jayhawk crews to conduct training and to improve search and rescue capabilities. Helicopter training included shipboard landings and on-deck and in-flight refueling.
Commissioned in 2012, Stratton is one of four Coast Guard legend-class national security cutters homeported in Alameda. National Security Cutters are 418 feet long and 54 feet wide and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots, and a range of 12,000 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 170.
The namesake of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is Capt. Dorothy Stratton, who led the service’s all-female reserve force during World War II. Stratton was the first female commissioned officer in the Coast Guard and commanded more than 10,000 personnel.
U.S. Coast Guard Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and crew return to homeport in Alameda, Calif., Sunday, April 21, 2024. (Charly Tautfest/U.S. Coast Guard)