Coast Guard accepts Waesche cutter

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has delivered the Waesche (WMSL 751) national security cutter to the U.S. Coast Guard following the successful completion of sea trials.

The acceptance by the Coast Guard of the Waesche, built by U.S. company Northrop Grumman's Shipbuilding unit, marked the company's second successful delivery of the new national security cutters.

The Waesche was delivered for operational use following the completion of all required sea trial evolutions for the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.

"This is a proud moment for us," Bob Merchent, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding vice president of surface combatants and U.S. Coast Guard programs, said in a statement.

"It's the culmination of years of hard work by thousands of shipbuilders. We are delivering another technologically advanced ship to the Coast Guard. And once she becomes part of our nation's defense, we'll follow her progress with great interest and take pride in her successes."