U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal file photo.
WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard is scheduled to commission its newest cutter, the Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal, during a ceremony at Alexandria City Pier, Wednesday.
The cutter is named after Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, who was mortally wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bruckenthal thwarted a multi-vessel suicide attack on an oil terminal in the Arabian Gulf in 2004. His actions prevented further loss of life, environmental damage, and the destruction of key infrastructure. For his courageous actions, Bruckenthal was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment that allow their crews to more effectively conduct the Coast Guard’s statutory missions.
The Nathan Bruckenthal’s new homeport will be Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.
