Coast Guard Station Receives New Cutter

The Coast Guard station in Channel Islands Harbor has received a new 87-foot cutter, the Black Tip.

The cutter, which pulled into the harbor Sunday, replaces an 82-foot cutter stationed at Channel Islands, the Point Carrew. That vessel served the Coast Guard for 30 years.

The new cutter was built in Lockport, La., and its crew sailed it 5,100 miles from a port in New Orleans, said Coast Guard Senior Chief Mark Preston.

“We are preparing to display our new cutter and show off what we feel is the Coast Guard’s new, state-of-the-art ship,” Preston said. “We want the people of Ventura County to see the taxpayers’ money at work.”

He said the Coast Guard plans in the next month to offer public tours and provide a display at the Ventura County Maritime Museum at Channel Islands Harbor. The new vessel is set to be commissioned Jan. 19.