National Security Cutter Waesche

The second of eight planned National Security Cutters was commissioned on Friday here in Alameda, Calif.

The 418-foot Waesche, a Legend-class National Security Cutter the U.S. Coast Guard says is its largest and most technically advanced vessel, is designed to improve operational readiness and enable better fulfillment of new multimission roles more effectively, with greater endurance and range, higher sustained transit speeds, and the flexibility to adapt to and support a range of objectives.

Designed in accordance with the Coast Guard's expanding roles, the Waesche also possesses a greater ability to launch and recover small boats, helicopters, and eventually unmanned aerial vehicles.

See also: Full Frame photos of the event.