USCGC CHASE

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About USCGC CHASE

USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718) was a high endurance cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1968. Named after Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase, she served for over four decades in missions including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and drug interdiction. Throughout her service, CHASE participated in significant operations such as refugee rescues during the Mariel boatlift and counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. In 2011, she was decommissioned and later transferred to the Nigerian Navy, where she continues to serve as NNS Thunder (F90).

Unit Members

Stephen Brockman

U.S. Coast Guard (1991 - 1998)

USCGC CHASEView Profile

Brente Bevitori

U.S. Coast Guard

USCGC CHASEView 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 USCGC CHASE

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake Legacy: USCGC CHASE is named after Salmon P. Chase, the U.S. Treasury Secretary under Abraham Lincoln and a prominent advocate of anti-slavery. • Multiple Vessels: The name "USCGC CHASE" has been assigned to several Coast Guard cutters, most notably the Hamilton-class high endurance cutter (WHEC-718) and the newer Legend-class national security cutter (WMSL-916). • Vietnam War Service: USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718) served with distinction during the Vietnam War, participating in Operation Market Time to interdict enemy supply routes by sea. • Drug Interdiction Success: CHASE was instrumental in numerous high-profile drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean and Pacific, leading to the seizure of tons of illegal narcotics. • Humanitarian Missions: The cutter often responded to search and rescue missions, including saving hundreds of migrants and mariners in distress in U.S. waters and beyond. • Historic Transfer: In 2011, USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718) was decommissioned and transferred to the Nigerian Navy, where she was recommissioned as NNS THUNDER (F90). • Modern Successor: The new USCGC CHASE (WMSL-916) is part of the Legend-class, representing the latest in advanced capabilities for law enforcement, homeland security, and defense readiness. • Global Deployments: CHASE has participated in joint exercises with allied navies, strengthening international maritime cooperation and security partnerships. • Environmental Protection: The cutter often took part in missions enforcing fisheries laws and protecting endangered marine species within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. • Crew Traditions: Sailors and officers aboard CHASE have developed unique traditions, including commemorative ceremonies marking milestones, such as crossing the equator or the international dateline.