ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard Cutter Diamondback arrived at the Coast Guard sector in Atlantic Beach on Thursday, officially shifting its homeport from Miami to Mayport.
The 87-foot coastal patrol boat arrived at about 9 a.m.
The Diamondback is a multi-mission boat that will operate primarily offshore from the North and South Carolina border to southern Florida. The cutter's missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, defense readiness and security for ports, waterways and coastal security.
An extensive review of multiple potential homeports determined Sector Jacksonville is the best location for the Diamondback and its crew.
The Diamondback will become operational in the northern portion of the 7th Coast Guard District July 1, patrolling the waters from the North and South Carolina border down to southern Florida.
Other cutters homeported at Sector Jacksonville are the Coast Guard Cutter Kingfisher, the Coast Guard Cutter Hammer and the Coast Guard Cutter Maria Bray.