USCGC Courageous (WMEC-622)

• Commissioned in 1968: USCGC Courageous (WMEC-622) was commissioned into the United States Coast Guard on April 19, 1968, as part of the Reliance-class medium endurance cutter program. • Homeport: Throughout her service, Courageous was homeported at various locations, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Panama City, Florida, reflecting her diverse mission assignments in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. • Drug Interdiction Operations: She played an important role in the Coast Guard's war on drugs, intercepting numerous vessels smuggling narcotics into the United States, and seizing tons of illegal substances during her service. • Mariel Boatlift Rescue: In 1980, Courageous participated in the Mariel Boatlift, helping rescue thousands of Cuban refugees fleeing to Florida, demonstrating the humanitarian side of Coast Guard missions. • Search and Rescue Missions: The cutter was involved in countless life-saving missions, including rescuing stranded mariners, assisting vessels in distress, and responding to natural disasters in the Caribbean and Gulf regions. • Multi-Mission Capability: Like all Reliance-class cutters, Courageous was equipped for law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection, making her a versatile asset for the Coast Guard. • Decommissioning: After nearly 33 years of service, USCGC Courageous was decommissioned on September 19, 2001, at Panama City, Florida. • Transfer to Sri Lanka: Following her decommissioning, she was transferred to the Sri Lankan Navy and recommissioned as SLNS Sagara, continuing her service overseas. • Decorated Cutter: Over her career, Courageous received numerous awards and commendations for her performance in law enforcement, humanitarian, and search and rescue missions. • Legacy of Service: The stories and crew of Courageous exemplify the Coast Guard’s motto “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready), and her legacy lives on through the continued service of Reliance-class cutters and her new role with the Sri Lankan Navy.