USCGC Cleat

• Historic Service: USCGC Cleat (WYTL-65615) was a 65-foot harbor tug that served with distinction in the United States Coast Guard for several decades, primarily in the New York City area. • Construction Era: Cleat was built in 1961 by the Gibbs Gas Engine Company in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a class of small harbor tugs designed for icebreaking and general harbor duties. • Icebreaking Duties: One of Cleat’s primary missions was to break ice in and around New York Harbor to ensure the safe passage of commercial and military vessels during harsh winters. • Support During 9/11: Cleat played a supporting role in the maritime evacuation of Manhattan on September 11, 2001, helping to coordinate and assist vessel traffic during the emergency. • Unique Design: The Cleat was part of the WYTL-65 class, notable for their sturdy hulls, icebreaking bows, and compact size, making them especially versatile in tight harbor environments. • Rescue Operations: Cleat frequently assisted in search and rescue missions in New York Harbor, including recovering stranded boats and responding to maritime accidents. • Environmental Response: The tug was involved in pollution response operations, such as deploying containment booms during oil spills in the busy waters of New York and New Jersey. • Training Platform: Cleat served as a hands-on training vessel for Coast Guard personnel, providing real-world experience in seamanship, ice operations, tug handling, and emergency response. • Extended Service Life: Despite being over 50 years old, Cleat and her sister ships continued to serve well into the 21st century, a testament to their robust construction and ongoing maintenance. • Retirement and Legacy: After decades of service, Cleat was eventually decommissioned, but her legacy continues in the stories of the Coast Guard crews who served aboard her and in the vital missions she fulfilled in one of America’s busiest ports.