PORTSMOUTH, Va.- The Coast Guard Cutter Forward sits moored at Base Support Unit Portsmouth just before sunrise Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009. Forward's crew was present for Christmas with their families during their time in port, but departed after sunrise Wednesday to continue the Coast Guard mission along the Eastern Seaboard. Behind the Forward are two other 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters homeported at the base. The multiple 270-foot cutters homeported here share the same responsibilities, allowing their crews to enjoy a two-month in-port period and a two-month deployment period. Some of those responsibilities include: Search and Rescue; Enforcement of Laws and Treaties; Maritime Defense; and Protection of the Marine Environment. They most often deploy between the Coasts of Maine and Florida and throughout the Caribbean. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Kendrick