By Karen Robes Meeks
This week, the US Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco (WPC 1122), the 17th District’s second 154-foot Fast Response Cutter, was commissioned in Juneau, Alaska.
The second of six Sentinel-class cutters that will be calling Alaska home is named after Dam Neck Life-Saving Station’s Keeper Bailey Barco, who was given a Gold Lifesaving Medal on October 7, 1901, for his efforts in rescuing the crew of the schooner Jennie Hall.
Barco took command of the Jennie Hall on December 21, 1900, when it ran aground in a winter storm off Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and his crew safely returned five survivors.
The new patrol vessel Barco features advanced technology for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It also can launch and recover standardized small boats from its stern, according to the Coast Guard.
Several officials were scheduled to attend the commissioning, including the cutter’s sponsor Carol Lash Push, Bailey Barco’s great-granddaughter.
Attendees also included Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette, Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, 17th District commander, Rear Adm. Michael McAllister; Coast Guard Sector Juneau commander, Capt. Shannan Greene; and cutter Bailey Barco’s commanding officer, Lt. Frank Reed.
