Huntington Ingalls christens 7th National Security Cutter for Coast Guard

March 6 (UPI) -- Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding Industries christened the seventh National Security Cutter vessel, Kimball, for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Kimball, a Legend-class cutter, was christened during a ceremony attended by roughly 1,000 guests. Coast Guard officials praised the event as a milestone for the program.

"The reason why it matters so much is that in the year 2060, this ship will still be serving with a whole new generation as its crew," U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul F. Zukunft said in a press release. "We are the premier Coast Guard in the world. We would not be that without these magnificent ships being built in Pascagoula today."

National Security Cutters are referred to as the centerpiece of the Coast Guard's fleet. Legend-class vessels are being designed and procured to replace the service's legacy Hamilton-class cutters. The newer ships feature improved transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the capability of recovering small boats from the rear.

"The National Security Cutter is vital to our national security needs," Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss. added. "Our Coast Guard protects our borders, intercepts drugs up and down our coast, and ensures we are safe here at home. We need these ships now more than ever."

Kimball is scheduled to begin builder's trials during the fourth quarter of 2017. The eighth Legend-class National Security Cutter, Midgett, is slated to launch around the same time.