Cutter Bertholf arrives in Kodiak to train at North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center

Apr 14th, 2011 · Comments Off

KODIAK, Alaska - Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf crewmembers prepare to moor at Coast Guard base Kodiak April 14, 2011. This is the first time the 418-foot national security cutter has come to Alaska and will patrol for two months in Alaskan waters. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally.

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Jonathan Lally

KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the largest most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, moored in Kodiak Thursday in preparations for its first Alaska patrol.

While in Kodiak, the Bertholf crew is scheduled to attend fishery training at the North Pacific Regional Fishery Training Center in preparation for conducting fishery boardings and enforcing maritime regulations in the Bering Sea.

“We are excited to train the crew of the Bertholf as they embark on their first Alaskan patrol,” said Lt. Conor Sullivan, commanding officer of the NPRFTC. “They will receive training on federal fisheries enforcement, endangered species protection and commercial fishing vessel safety regulations. We will also be deploying several ship-riders to provide hands-on training and assessments while the cutter is underway.”

Other training provided by the NPRFTC will aid the crew of the Bertholf in becoming knowledgeable about international high seas drift nets and illegal unregulated unreported fishing enforcement, the maritime boundary line, Alaska fish identification as well as particular fishing vessel identification.

At 418 feet in length, speeds of up to 28 knots and a crew compliment of 108, the Legend-class cutter is capable of better sea-keeping and higher sustained speeds as well as greater endurance than legacy cutters. In addition to a helicopter deck, the vessel has a stern ramp for launching and recovering their small boat.

While in Kodiak, the Bertolf will not be open for tours but plans to host public visits at a future date.

The Bertholf is homeported in Alameda, Calif.