Navy Compass - San Diego Official Navy Newspaper

SAN DIEGO – Making its second of three port visits to San Diego, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCG Eagle pulled into Naval Base San Diego August 8.

U.S. Navy photo by Walter T. Ham IV USCG Eagle pulls into Naval Base San Diego Aug. 8.  The U.S. Coast Guard tall ship is making its second of three port visits to San Diego. 

A New London, Conn.-based training ship for future Coast Guard officers, Eagle is currently on its summer journey. Eagle previously stopped in San Diego in May 2008 and has made other visits to North American west coast ports.

“This magnificent, sail-powered ship serves as a reminder of our nation’s and this city’s sea-faring heritage,” said NBSD Commanding Officer Rear Adm. (Sel.) Dixon Smith.

The U.S. government’s only square-rigger, the Eagle is hosting tours for Sailors and their families while moored at NBSD. The ship will return to San Diego later this month for the 2008 Festival of Sail – a gathering of international tall ships along San Diego’s downtown embarcadero. Two Coast Guard cutters are stationed at NBSD – USCGC Chase (WHEC 718) and USCGC Hamilton (WHEC 715).

“Along with the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard is a partner in implementing the nation’s maritime strategy,” said Smith. “So we are always happy to host them here.”

One of the Navy’s principal surface warfare installations, Naval Base San Diego supports 53 ships, more than 120 tenant commands and more than 35,000 servicemembers and civilian employees.

NBSD is home to the majority of the Pacific Fleet’s surface combatants, all of the Navy’s west coast amphibious ships and a number of Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command vessels.

For related news, visit the Naval Base San Diego Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/NBSD/.