USCG Station Cape Disappointment

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About USCG Station Cape Disappointment

USCG Station Cape Disappointment, located near Ilwaco, Washington, was established in 1877 and is one of the oldest continuously operating Coast Guard stations on the West Coast. Positioned at the mouth of the Columbia River, the station is renowned for its challenging and often dangerous maritime conditions, earning the area the nickname "Graveyard of the Pacific." Throughout its history, the station has played a critical role in search and rescue operations, saving countless lives from treacherous bar crossings and turbulent seas. Today, USCG Station Cape Disappointment continues to serve as a vital hub for maritime safety, training, and law enforcement in the Pacific Northwest.

Unit Members

Charles Bowman

U.S. Coast Guard (1975 - 1997)

USCG Station Cape DisappointmentView Profile

Ronald Mills

U.S. Coast Guard

USCG Station Cape DisappointmentView 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 USCG Station Cape Disappointment

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Historic Location: USCG Station Cape Disappointment is situated at the mouth of the Columbia River in Washington State, an area known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific" due to its treacherous waters and frequent shipwrecks. • Established in 1877: The station was first established in 1877, making it one of the oldest Coast Guard stations on the West Coast. • Famed for Surf Rescue: It is renowned for its challenging surf conditions, with waves that can reach over 20 feet, making it a premier site for rough-water training and surf rescue operations. • National Motor Lifeboat School: The station is home to the National Motor Lifeboat School, where Coast Guard personnel from all over the country are trained in advanced rescue techniques and heavy weather boat handling. • Legendary Lighthouse: The nearby Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, built in 1856, is the oldest functioning lighthouse on the US West Coast and still aids navigation today. • Lewis and Clark Connection: The area was explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805 during their expedition, and Cape Disappointment marks the westernmost point they reached. • Multiple Missions: The station handles search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and aids to navigation in one of the most hazardous maritime areas in the United States. • Heroic Rescues: Over its long history, the station's crews have conducted thousands of daring rescues, including saving fishermen, sailors, and recreational boaters from the dangerous Columbia River Bar. • Modern Fleet: USCG Station Cape Disappointment operates a modern fleet of 47-foot Motor Lifeboats, designed to withstand severe surf and extreme conditions. • Popular Visitor Center: The station's adjacent Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and observation points are popular attractions, offering insight into both Coast Guard history and Pacific Northwest maritime heritage.