Mackinaw impresses

Two weeks into its builders’ sea trials, the new U.S. Coast Guard cutter ?Mackinaw? is easing into an operational schedule and impressing those who are aboard. “We’re still early in the trials, but it looks like the ship will meet the requirements we’ve set,” stated Capt. Ian Grunther, project manager for the Coast Guard’s Great Lakes Icebreaking Capability Replacement Project. This is a very lengthy-named phrase for replacing the USCG cutter ?Mackinaw? that has served the Great Lakes for nearly 62 years.

Grunther is cautious when speaking about the new vessel’s progress. The ship is replacing a successful piece of equipment that has done the job since World War II, but has grown increasingly expensive to maintain and buy replacement parts to repair. The original Mackinaw will be decommissioned in June of next year.