USCGC DILIGENCE

• One of the Oldest Names in Service: The name "Diligence" is one of the original ten names given to Revenue Service cutters by Alexander Hamilton in 1790, making it among the oldest continuous vessel names in U.S. maritime history. • Multiple Ships with the Name: There have been seven U.S. Revenue Cutter/Coast Guard vessels named Diligence since 1791, each carrying on the legacy of the name and its mission. • Current Vessel – WMEC-616: The current USCGC Diligence (WMEC-616) is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter, commissioned in 1964 and homeported in Wilmington, North Carolina. • Vietnam War Service: USCGC Diligence (WMEC-616) served in the Vietnam War as part of Operation Market Time, conducting coastal patrols and interdiction missions. • Drug Interdiction Success: The Diligence has played a significant role in drug interdiction missions, seizing millions of dollars’ worth of illegal narcotics during its patrols in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. • Rescue Operations: Throughout its service life, Diligence has rescued hundreds of migrants and mariners in distress, showcasing the humanitarian aspect of Coast Guard missions. • Historic Homeport: Diligence is one of only two Coast Guard cutters homeported in Wilmington, North Carolina, and participates in numerous community outreach and ceremonial events in the region. • Endurance and Flexibility: As a medium endurance cutter, Diligence is capable of remaining at sea for up to 45 days, allowing for extended operations across vast oceanic areas. • Modernization and Upgrades: Over its decades of service, Diligence has undergone several major overhauls, including upgrades to navigation, communication, and engineering systems to maintain operational readiness. • Symbolic Crest and Motto: The ship’s crest features a blue shield and the motto “Courage, Honor, Tenacity,” reflecting the enduring spirit and mission of Diligence and her crews throughout U.S. history.