Hilo-based U.S. Coast Guard cutter back to port after six month drydock, Oct. 15, 2009

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: Oct. 15, 2009
Contact: 808-535-3230

Hilo-based U.S. Coast Guard cutter back to port after six month dry dock

HONOLULU — The crew of the U. S. Coast Guard cutter Kiska returned to home port in Hilo last weekend after nearly six months in dry dock at the Marisco Shipyard in Kapolei. Yesterday, the crew welcomed state and county partners for an open house.

"Our open house was a great success," said Kiska commanding officer Lt. Charlotte Mundy, who was in charge of her first patrol during a transit last weekend from Honolulu to Hilo. "We were very pleased with the turnout and were privileged to welcome our partners aboard for a tour."

More than 20 Big Island officials, including representatives from the Hawaii County Fire Dept, Hawaii County Civil Defense, Navy League, and Coast Guard Auxiliary, joined the Kiska's crew for the open house.

The 20-member crew of Kiska departed Hilo March 25to transit to Oahu for dry docking preparations. The maintenance period was originally scheduled for two months, but was significantly extended to replace portions of the hull that were severely degraded. Other work projects included maintenance and repair of mechanical systems and preservation of storage tanks. In addition to the work done in dry dock, both ship’s service diesel generators were replaced by Coast Guard personnel.

During the time away from Hilo, the ship has seen over half the crew change out, including the commanding officer. Lt. Mundy relieved Lt. Matthew Chong as Kiska's Commanding Officer in a ceremony at Base Support Unit, Honolulu, May 16, 2009.

“The entire crew worked hard to get the work done and the ship into good shape," said Mundy. "Now we’re looking forward to patrols again from Hilo and resuming our ties in the community.”

The Kiska is a 110-foot patrol boat and routinely performs search and rescue and law enforcement missions in the main Hawaiian islands.

NOTE: For more information about this news release, contact the Coast Guard's Honolulu public affairs team at 808-535-3230 or the Kiska at 808-933-6943. Still images of the Kiska's dry dock are available at www.uscghawaii.com.

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