USCGC BIBB

• USCGC Bibb (WPG-31) was a Secretary-class (also known as Treasury-class) Coast Guard cutter, commissioned in 1937 and named after George M. Bibb, a Secretary of the Treasury. • World War II Service: During World War II, Bibb served as a convoy escort in the Battle of the Atlantic, protecting Allied shipping from German U-boats. • Rescue of Survivors: On February 3, 1943, USCGC Bibb famously rescued 202 survivors from the torpedoed USAT Henry R. Mallory in the frigid North Atlantic, braving severe weather and U-boat threats. • Combat Engagement: Bibb engaged in anti-submarine warfare, dropping depth charges in several encounters with enemy submarines, and is credited with assisting in the sinking of at least one U-boat. • Kamikaze Attack: While on convoy duty in the Pacific during WWII, Bibb was present during an attack by Japanese aircraft, including kamikaze planes, and provided anti-aircraft fire in defense. • Korean War Service: After WWII, Bibb continued service during the Korean War, participating in patrol, search and rescue, and weather observation missions. • Ocean Station Vessel: For many years, Bibb performed duty as an ocean station vessel, acting as a floating weather station, aircraft checkpoint, and search-and-rescue standby in the North Atlantic. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Bibb was deployed as part of the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping enforce the blockade of Cuba. • Longevity: USCGC Bibb served for over 48 years, one of the longest service records of any cutter, before being decommissioned in 1985. • Artificial Reef: In 1987, Bibb was intentionally sunk off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, where she now serves as a popular artificial reef and dive site, continuing her legacy beneath the waves.