COAST GUARD CUTTER ALBACORE (WPB 87309)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15)--The Coast Guard Cutter Albacore (WPB 87309), one of the Coast Guard's newly designed coastal patrol boat, recovers its smallboat. The Albacore has several enhancements over the aging 82s, including improved mission sea keeping abilities (up to sea state 5), significantly upgraded habitability (allowing any gender mix for its 10 person crew, 11 berths max), 25 knot maximum speed, and compliance with all current and projected environmental protection laws. The CPB also employsan innovative stern launch and recovery system using an Aluminum hulled inboard diesel powered waterjet small boat. USCG photo by Telfair Brown