First lady's initials added to keel of 3rd National Security Cutter

WASHGINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard and Northrop Grumman laid the keel for the future Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, the service's third National Security Cutter, at 1 p.m. Monday at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Gulf Coast shipyard, Pascagoula, Miss., ceremoniously marking the beginning of Stratton's construction.

First lady Michelle Obama will serve as Stratton's sponsor.  This is the first time a first lady has ever sponsored a Coast Guard cutter.  As the sponsor the first lady will be involved in the life of the cutter.  This is Obama's first formal association with a United States Coast Guard cutter and serving as Stratton's sponsor is an extension of her commitment to supporting America's men and women in uniform and their families.

"I am honored to serve as sponsor of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, named after one of the most extraordinary women to serve our nation in uniform," said Obama.  "Every day, the United States Coast Guard keeps our families and communities safe at home and contributes to the defense of our nation overseas.  This vessel will embody the strength of today's military and the enduring courage of our Coast Guard's men and women."

(click here to view or download the high resolution photo)
(WASHINGTON — In this photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, Rear Adm. Ronald Rábago, the Coast Guard’s assistant commandant for acquisition and chief acquisition officer, assists in the ceremonial welding of first lady Michelle Obama’s initials, authenticating the keel of the Coast Guard’s third National Security Cutter, the future Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752).  Obama is the cutter’s sponsor and Rábago is her direct representative.   The ceremony was performed at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Miss., July 20, 2009. (U.S. Coast Guard photo /Petty Officer 3^rdClass Casey J. Ranel)