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U.S. Coast Guard cutter back in Hilo after drydock

U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Kiska (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)

U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Kiska (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)

MEDIA RELEASE

The crew of the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Kiska have returned to home port in Hilo after nearly six months in dry dock at the Marisco Shipyard in Kapolei. 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 the 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 county Fire Department, 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 March 25 to Oahu for dry docking preparations. The maintenance period was originally scheduled for two months, but was 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 more than half the crew change out, including the commanding officer. Mundy relieved Lt. Matthew Chong as Kiska’s Commanding Officer in a ceremony May 16 at Base Support Unit in Honolulu.

“The entire crew worked hard to get the work done and the ship into good shape,” Mundy said. “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.

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