Diligence leaves the Port City

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Port City icon will be missing for a couple months. The Coast Guard Cutter Diligence is leaving port. After returning to the Port City just a little over two months ago, the Diligence is leaving again. First stop…two weeks of training availability in Virginia, where the crew will sharpen its skills in combating onboard emergencies. While families and friends of the crew are proud…it’s always hard to see them go.

Johnathan and Jacob Rice, sons of a crew member said, “we really didn’t want him to go, but we’re just really sad.”

During the two-week training availability, or TRAV, the Diligence crew will perform drills in fire fighting, damage control, navigation, gunnery, rescue assistance and anti-terrorism force protection. Knowing their dad is working to protect them means a lot to the boys.

“We’re very very proud of our dad, and we love him,” said Johnathan.

The Diligence was improved upon during its short stay at home, and crew members are looking forward to their mission. The Diligence is traveling from the Cape Fear River to Little Creek, Virginia that is. After leaving Little Creek, Diligence will depart for its first operational patrol since completing a nine-month mission effectiveness program.