USCG Station Freeport

• Established in 1974: USCG Station Freeport in Texas was officially commissioned in 1974 to bolster maritime safety and security along the Gulf Coast. • Strategic Location: The station is located at the mouth of the Brazos River, providing quick access to the Gulf of Mexico and critical shipping lanes. • Hurricane Response: Station Freeport plays a vital role in disaster response, especially during hurricanes. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, crews conducted rescues and provided vital support to the local community. • Search and Rescue (SAR) Missions: The unit conducts dozens of SAR operations annually, saving boaters, fishermen, and recreational sailors in distress along the busy Texas coastline. • Oil Spill Response: Given its proximity to major ports and petrochemical facilities, Station Freeport is a first responder to oil spills and marine environmental hazards. • Homeland Security Role: Since 9/11, Station Freeport has taken on expanded duties in port security, helping to protect critical infrastructure and commerce in one of the nation’s busiest maritime corridors. • Multi-Mission Capability: The station operates a fleet of 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums and 29-foot Response Boat-Smalls, capable of handling a wide variety of missions from law enforcement to environmental protection. • Drug Interdiction: Station Freeport participates in the interdiction of illegal drugs, working closely with local law enforcement and federal agencies to combat smuggling via the Gulf. • Community Outreach: The crew regularly participates in local events, boater safety courses, and educational programs to foster good relations with the Freeport community. • Honoring a Fallen Hero: In 2019, the station hosted a memorial for Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis Obendorf, a Texas native and Coast Guardsman who lost his life in the line of duty during a rescue operation in Alaska.