USCG

USCG Station Coos Bay, located in Charleston, Oregon, has served as a critical United States Coast Guard post since its establishment in 1878. Originally founded as a lifesaving station to assist mariners facing the hazardous bar and treacherous waters at the entrance to Coos Bay, the station has grown in capability and significance over the decades. Today, Station Coos Bay conducts a range of missions, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection along Oregon’s southern coast. Its crew remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of commercial and recreational mariners in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most challenging maritime regions.

U.S. Coast Guard Station Fairport Harbor, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie in Ohio, traces its roots back to 1876 when the U.S. Life-Saving Service established a station to protect mariners from the perils of the lake. Originally staffed by surfmen using oar-powered lifeboats, the station became part of the U.S. Coast Guard upon its formation in 1915. Throughout its history, Station Fairport Harbor has played a crucial role in search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection in the region. Today, it remains a vital part of the Coast Guard’s Ninth District, continuing its legacy of safeguarding Lake Erie’s waters and shoreline communities.

USCG Station Saginaw River, located near Bay City, Michigan, traces its origins to the late 19th century, serving as a vital point for maritime safety on Lake Huron and the Saginaw River. Originally established as a U.S. Life-Saving Service station in 1876, it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard when the service was formed in 1915. Over the decades, the station has played a critical role in search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and environmental protection in the region. Today, USCG Station Saginaw River continues its mission, upholding the Coast Guard’s legacy of safeguarding the Great Lakes and its communities.

USCG Station Sheboygan, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has served as a vital component of the United States Coast Guard since its establishment in the late 19th century. Originally founded as a U.S. Life-Saving Service station in 1876, it became part of the Coast Guard upon the merger of the Life-Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service in 1915. Throughout its history, the station has played a crucial role in search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection on Lake Michigan. Today, USCG Station Sheboygan continues its legacy of service, ensuring the safety and security of mariners and the local coastal community.

**USCGC WPB-83387** was an 83-foot patrol boat (cutter) of the United States Coast Guard, part of the famed 83-foot "Matchbox Fleet" built during World War II. Commissioned in the early 1940s, WPB-83387 served primarily in coastal patrol, search and rescue, and anti-submarine operations along the U.S. coastline. These vessels were notable for their involvement in the D-Day landings at Normandy, where they played a crucial role in rescuing downed airmen and wounded soldiers from the English Channel. After the war, many of the 83-footers, including WPB-83387, continued to serve in various peacetime missions before eventually being decommissioned.

USCGC Aquidneck (WPB-1309) is an Island-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1986. Primarily based out of the US East Coast, Aquidneck has played a vital role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense operations. Notably, she was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting interdiction and security patrols. Throughout her service, Aquidneck has exemplified the Coast Guard’s multi-mission capabilities before being decommissioned and transferred to the Georgian Coast Guard in 2021.

USCGC Arbutus (WAGL-400) was a United States Coast Guard buoy tender commissioned in 1933. Serving primarily along the East Coast, Arbutus was responsible for maintaining navigational aids and supporting maritime safety operations. During World War II, she was tasked with coastal patrols and escort duties, contributing to homeland defense and anti-submarine efforts. After decades of service, Arbutus was decommissioned in 1966, having played a vital role in both peacetime and wartime Coast Guard missions.

USCGC Bridle (WAT-341) was a United States Coast Guard tug commissioned in 1944 during World War II. She was assigned to assist with towing and salvage operations, playing a crucial role in support missions across the Atlantic theater. In 1947, Bridle notably participated in the recovery efforts following the tragic Texas City Disaster, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history. She continued her service in coastal and harbor duties until being decommissioned in 1969.

The USCGC Cape Carter (WPB-9532) was a 95-foot Cape-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1959. Primarily assigned to law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime patrol duties, Cape Carter operated out of several East Coast ports during her service. The vessel played a role in anti-smuggling operations and provided critical support during maritime emergencies throughout her career. Decommissioned in the late 1980s, Cape Carter exemplified the versatility and reliability of the Cape-class cutters during the Cold War era.