The U.S. Coast Guard has taken delivery of the second in a new class of cutters built by Northrop Grumman Corp.

The first was delivered in May 2008; the latest, Friday, at the company’s Pascagoula shipyard. Eight Legend-class cutters are planned.

Bob Merchent, Northrop’s vice president of surface combatants and U.S. Coast Guard programs, called the cutters flagships of the Coast Guard fleet.

While the Waesche is only the second in her class, Merchent said she’s “far ahead” of her predecessor, the Bertholf, in fit, finish and mission readiness.

The ship, which includes two aircraft hangars and a flight deck capable of handling rotary wing and manned and unmanned aircraft, can accommodate a crew of up to 148.

Commissioning is planned for May.