"This is terrific news for the Portsmouth-Kittery Naval Shipyard and Maine's fishing community," said Senator Collins "With the deployment of the USS Wrangell to the Persian Gulf, the unique capabilities of the Famous Class cutters will significantly strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to provide vital services such as search and rescue in Maine and New Hampshire."
"The cutters will also play an important homeland security role as well," said Senator Collins, who urged the Coast Guard in January to select PNS as the cutters' new port and who was notified personally of the decision by the Department of Homeland Security.
In particular, the Cutters will add to the protection of the Portsmouth-Kittery Naval Shipyard.