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ST. PETERSBURG - A new $4-million, 87-foot cutter joined the fleet of the U.S. Coast Guard's Group St. Petersburg on Monday at a commissioning ceremony attended by an admiral, a congressman and other dignities.
The Hawk is part of the Coast Guard's nationwide effort to upgrade its fleet so that it is better-prepared to combat terrorism and perform missions such as search and rescue and law enforcement.
The Hawk, with a crew of 10, can reach speeds of 29 miles per hour and carries two .50-caliber machine guns and various small arms.
In keeping with a longstanding maritime tradition, Evelyn Bilirakis, wife of U.S. Rep. Michael Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, acted as the ship's sponsor, and said she would pray for the well-being of the ship and its crew.