Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor

Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, located on the south shore of Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1933 to support maritime safety and law enforcement on southern Lake Michigan. Initially built as part of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, it became a vital Coast Guard facility after the 1939 merger of the two organizations. Throughout its history, the station has played a critical role in search and rescue operations, pollution response, and boating safety enforcement in the busy Calumet Harbor area. Today, Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor continues to serve as a key hub for maritime security and emergency response in the Great Lakes region.

Unit Members

Vernon Wittenbrink

U.S. Coast Guard

Coast Guard Station Calumet HarborView Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Strategic Location: Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor is located on the southeast side of Chicago, Illinois, at the mouth of the Calumet River, providing access to Lake Michigan and playing a key role in maritime safety for one of the busiest industrial ports in the region. • Established in 1933: The station was officially established in 1933 to support increased commercial shipping and recreational boating around the Chicago area and Calumet Harbor. • Great Lakes Guardian: Calumet Harbor is part of Coast Guard District 9, which oversees operations throughout the Great Lakes, one of the world's largest bodies of fresh water. • Prohibition Era Ties: Before its formal establishment, the area played a role in Prohibition enforcement, with Coast Guard personnel intercepting illegal alcohol shipments on Lake Michigan. • Diverse Mission Set: The station conducts search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, homeland security, and aids-to-navigation maintenance. • Harsh Winter Operations: Crews at Calumet Harbor regularly perform rescues and ice-breaking missions during Chicago’s brutal winters, sometimes using airboats and specialized ice equipment. • Response to Disasters: The station played a key role in the response to the 1992 Chicago Flood, helping coordinate waterborne evacuation and support. • Community Engagement: The station participates in local safety fairs, open houses, and educational programs, fostering strong ties with the Chicago community. • Unique Boat Fleet: The station operates a variety of vessels, including 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums (RB-M), 25-foot Response Boat-Smalls (RB-S), and ice rescue craft. • 9/11 and Security Mission: After September 11, 2001, Calumet Harbor’s security role increased significantly, with more patrols and emphasis on protecting critical infrastructure in the Chicago area.