Montauk Hero Honored At Commissioning Of New Port Security Vessel

MONTAUK, NY — Not only was it an important moment in United States history on Wednesday at Coast Guard Station Montauk, but it was also a dream come true for Montauk's own hero John L. Behan.

Behan beamed with pride as he broke the bottle of champagne on the side of the new port security vessel in Montauk Harbor, officially commissioning the "John L. Behan".

According to the town, "its purpose will be to assist the U.S. Coast Guard with its Homeland Security mission, thereby making Montauk a more resilient port, and to provide fire protection in Montauk Harbor".

The event included speeches by local dignitaries, including East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo, Captain Andrew Tucci of the U.S. Coast Guard Port Long Island Sound, Montauk Fire Department Chief Vincent Franzone, and New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele.

All praised Behan for his passion for Montauk, his service in Vietnam, his work as Director of New York State's Division of Veterans Affairs and New York State assemblyman, and as East Hampton Town assessor.

East Hampton Town Harbormaster Chief Ed Michels, who helped to spearhead the project, hosted the event.

The celebration was capped with Behan's family joining him on the vessel's maiden voyage around Montauk Harbor.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.