ABOUT THE SHIP
Watch the christening highlight video below
Charles L. Calhoun (1925-2002)
Charles L. Calhoun, the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) (1969-1973), pioneered the office that assists in matters affecting the enlisted members of the Coast Guard, both active and reserve, and their families.
Calhoun began his military career as a U.S. Navy torpedoman, fighting in many of the most harrowing battles of World War II.
He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946, later serving with Coast Guard Squadron One aboard USCGC Point Orient (WPB-82319) an 82-foot Point-class cutter, the first Coast Guard cutter to fire shots during the Vietnam War.
Calhoun was named the first MCPOCG by then-Commandant of the Coast Guard Willard J. Smith on August 27, 1969, making great positive changes in the service before retiring in 1973.
Mrs. Christina Calhoun Zubowicz, Ship Sponsor
ABOUT CHRISTINA
Christina Calhoun Zubowicz is the granddaughter of MCPOCG Charles L. Calhoun, the ship’s namesake. She graduated with a BBA in business management from Georgia State University, followed by obtaining a masters in psychology from the University of West Georgia.
Mrs. Zubowicz has held the position of business administrator at a surgery center for the past three years. She entered medical practice services more than eight years ago by working for her husband, Dr. Vincent Zubowicz, who is an Atlanta-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Prior to her career in the medical field, Mrs. Zubowicz worked for more than 20 years in the restaurant and event industry, including serving on a team that achieved the Five Michelin star, Three Diamond and Relais & Chateaux title property. She is devoted and committed to caring for those in front of her while elevating those around her and applying ethical principles to make a difference in her home and professional environments. Looking to an old sailing quote, “You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust the sails!” helps her handle what is thrown at her on any given day.
Milestones in Construction
November 2019
Paul Bosarge, burner workleaderman, starts fabrication of Calhoun (WMSL 759), observed by, from left, Cmdr. Jason Dunn, U.S. Coast Guard program manager’s representative; Braxton Collins, NSC hull superintendent; and Amanda Whitaker, NSC ship integration manager.
December 2020
One of the first completed Calhoun grand blocks is transported from the Stacking Hall to the Blast and Paint Area.
January 2021
The 210-ton grand block 2310 is landed on Calhoun's build cradle Jan. 19, 2021, marking the start of the ship’s keel structure.
March 2021
The nearly 280-ton grand block 2340 puts the tenth National Security Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) above the 25% unit erection mark.
July 2021
Cranes are shown still connected to the ships bow and deckhouse, which are landed days apart a week before keel laying, taking the ship to more than 90% erect.
July 2021
Ship sponsor Mrs. Christina Calhoun Zubowicz declares the keel truly and fairly laid July 23, 2021. An Ingalls welder etches the initials of the ship’s sponsor onto the Calhoun (WMSL 759) keel plate. From left are the ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Christina Calhoun Zubowicz; Mr. George Nungesser, vice president, Program Management; and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Peter Morisseau, commanding officer, Coast Guard Project Resident Office, Gulf Coast.
February 2022
Outside machinists and riggers work as a team to install the ship’s rudders.
February 2022
Outside machinist Chris Beavers torques bolts securing the propeller blades to the hub.
March 2022
A wide view of the Calhoun shows painters preparing the hull before the last leg of translation and launch.
March 2022
Dozens of shipbuilders ensure a smooth overland movement of the ship by electric rail cars, which deliver the 3,000 ton ship nearly 1,900 feet to the center of the floating drydock from which it is launched.
April 2022
Calhoun is successfully launched on April 1, 2022.
Translation and Launch
Shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding just completed the longest translation on record for the shipyard with USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759) before officially launching the ship into the water in Pascagoula!
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, located in Pascagoula, Mississippi, employs over 11,000 shipbuilders. Ingalls is the largest manufacturing employer in the state of Mississippi and a major contributor to the economic growth of both Mississippi and Alabama. Ingalls is the largest supplier of U.S. Navy surface combatants having built nearly 70% of the U.S. Navy fleet of warships.
HII is an all-domain defense and technologies partner, recognized worldwide as America’s largest shipbuilder. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable an all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information please visit:
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