Crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) during the commissioning ceremony Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) during the commissioning ceremony Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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The Color Guard presents the colors during the commissioning ceremony Thursday, March 28, 2024, for Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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Rear Adm. John Mauger, left, Commander, First Coast Guard District, shakes hands with Lt. Patrick Kelly, Commanding Officer of USCGC Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) takes command during the commissioning ceremony Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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The entire row of family members of Master Chief Melvin Bell, who passed away in September 2018, listen to one of the speakers Thursday, March 28, 2024, during the commissioning ceremony for Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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Robert Bell, son of Master Chief Melvin Bell, speaks with his sister Rita Mayer, sponsor of the USCGC Melvin Bell (WPC 1155), looking on during the commissioning ceremony Thursday, March 28, 2024, for Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) walk along the pier to man the rail Thursday, March 28, 2024, during the commissioning ceremony at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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The Coast Guard Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC 1155) crew man the rail Thursday, March 28, 2024, during the commissioning ceremony at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. (Dana Jensen/The Day)
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