MARINETTE, Wis. (Nov. 27)--The Coast Guard Cutter Willow (WLB 202) prepares to be commissioned in ceremonies held today. WILLOW was built in Marinette, Wis., at the Marinette Marine Corporation. Delivered and placed in commission special on November 27, 1996. WILLOW officer's and crew got underway on their maiden voyage less than two weeks later. Within a month of that maiden voyage, WILLOW reported to its new home at the Naval Education and Training Center in Newport, R.I. This was no small task considering WILLOW had to travel more than 2,600 nautical miles, and beat the closing of the St. Lawrence Seaway by less than five days. U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO