uscg cutter klamath, westport, wa. light house

• USCGC Klamath (WHEC-66): The USCG Cutter Klamath was an Owasco-class high endurance cutter commissioned in 1946, named after the Klamath River in California and Oregon. • Westport, Washington Homeport: Klamath was stationed at Westport, WA, during much of her service, playing a key role in Pacific Northwest maritime operations. • Cold War Patrols: During the Cold War, Klamath conducted ocean station patrols, weather reporting, and search and rescue missions in the North Pacific, helping to track Soviet activity. • Vietnam War Service: Klamath was deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Market Time, interdicting North Vietnamese supply routes along the coast. • Rescue Operations: The cutter performed numerous daring rescues, including saving fishermen and distressed boaters off the rugged Washington coast. • Support to Lighthouses: Klamath supported regional lighthouses, including the Westport Light (Grays Harbor Lighthouse), delivering supplies and maintenance personnel. • Westport Light: The Grays Harbor Lighthouse in Westport is the tallest in Washington, built in 1898, and Klamath often assisted in its upkeep and staffing. • Training Platform: Klamath served as a training cutter for Coast Guard personnel, teaching navigation, engineering, and seamanship. • Decommissioning and Legacy: Klamath was decommissioned in 1973 after nearly three decades of service, remembered for her critical contributions to both national defense and local safety. • Community Engagement: The cutter and her crew were a familiar sight in Westport, often participating in community events and fostering goodwill between the Coast Guard and local residents.