Coast Guard Commissioned Cutter Honoring FDNY Hero

The service commissioned a new vessel named for a Coast Guard reservist who died during the September 11 attacks.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Emergency Response

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a cutter vessel silhouette in navy and cream, evoking institutional remembrance. — The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned the Fast Response Cutter Jeffrey Palazzo, named for the FDNY firefighter and reservist killed on September 11. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Coast Guard recently commissioned its 63rd Fast Response Cutter, the Jeffrey Palazzo, during a ceremony in New York City. The vessel is named to honor the service and sacrifice of Jeffrey Palazzo, a Coast Guard reservist and FDNY firefighter who died at the World Trade Center.

Why it matters

The commissioning serves as a tribute to Palazzo, whose career spanned from joining the Coast Guard in 1988 to his final rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. His legacy is further carried on by his son, who currently serves as an active-duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The vessel is the 63rd Fast Response Cutter added to the fleet. The ship is designed for multiple missions including search and rescue, maritime security, and counter-fishing operations.

The players

Jeffrey Palazzo

He was a dedicated Coast Guard reservist and a member of FDNY Rescue 5 who lost his life responding to the September 11 attacks.

U.S. Coast Guard

This is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for maritime safety, security, and stewardship.

FDNY Rescue Company 5

Based in Staten Island, this is a specialized unit of the New York City Fire Department trained for high-risk rescue operations.

The details

Jeffrey Palazzo served with the Staten Island-based FDNY Rescue Company 5 and previously performed duty at the Coast Guard station in Rockaway, New York. In 1993, Palazzo was involved in the rescue of 200 people from the Golden Venture ship, an operation that preceded the loss of 11 FDNY members from his unit during the 2001 attacks.

Jeffrey Palazzo joined the Coast Guard in 1988.
Palazzo assisted in the Golden Venture rescue in 1993.
Jeffrey Palazzo died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
The cutter Jeffrey Palazzo was commissioned on Sept. 12, 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

The naming of this vessel follows a pattern of honoring specific individuals who made ultimate sacrifices during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This reflects a broader ongoing trend in the U.S. military to commemorate the service of first responders who died during the national tragedy.

The vessel is scheduled to be homeported in Guam, where it will support regional maritime security operations. Residents in the area may see the ship conducting search and rescue missions as it integrates into the Coast Guard's Pacific operational capacity.

The takeaway

This commissioning highlights the enduring connection between the military and civilian first responder communities. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by those who operated in both capacities during a critical moment in history.