SPOTD: Coast Guard Dark Night Weapons Practice

For today’s Ship Photo Of The Day, U.S. Coast Guard members practice shooting the M240 machine gun from the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton. Stratton (WMSL-752) is the third Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard. It is the first “white hull” cutter named after a woman since the 1980s (the USCGC Harriet Lane was launched in 1984). Stratton is named for Coast Guard Captain Dorothy C. Stratton (1899–2006). Stratton served as director of the SPARS, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve during World War II.

The USCGC Stratton carries a single 57 mm gun, four 50 Caliber Machine Guns and dual M240B 7.62mm Light Machine Guns as well as a Close-In Weapons System. We don’t claim to know what all those numbers mean but we do know those tracers look cool at night.

This photo was taken by USCG Petty Officer 1st Class Bryan Goff.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up