Coast Guard Cutter Stalwart Back In Action and with New Commanders
Basseterre, St.Kitts (February 4th 2016):-As the cry for increased patrol and monitoring of our borders in St.Kitts and Nevis dominates the air waves in the context of a continuing 20 year old gun related crime problem , the 31 year old Cutter Stalwart is now back in action after being on several years of dry dock.
Commander Lenn Daniel
Executive Officer Giddel Smithen
The Cutter Stalwart has been re-launched and will now be commanded by two of the youngest , brightest and most recent graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School . Commanding the ship will be Lenn Daniel. Commander Daniel will be assistted by his colleague Giddel Smithen who will serve as Deputy Commander or what is described in coast guard terms as an “Executive Officer”. Both Daniel and Smithen are from an engineering back ground and would be the first in the history of the coast guard to successfully cross over to nautical or navigation to command Stalwart. They are both highly trained, motivated, and ready to take on the challenges which comes with commanding.
The Vessel has been on Dry Dock since at least 2010 when it was beached after the passage of Hurricane Earl.
ACP of the RSCNPF Ian Queeley on a recent edition of “WORKING FOR YOU” Radio programme that protecting the borders will be a key element of the stepped up operations of the Security Forces in light of continued issues with gun crimes.
ACP Ian Queeley of the Royal St.Christopher and Nevis Police Force
Queeley stated that with the reintroduction of Coast Guard cutter ‘Stalwart’, there will be more coverage at sea and thus adding to their ability along with customs to secure the borders.
Congrats to these young men fair winds and following seas
Congratulations to the new crew. As a native of sugar city and a retired US Naval sailor with over 13 western pacific Naval cruises, I know what it means. Much love.