USCGC DUANE

• Commissioned in 1936: USCGC Duane (WHEC-33) was launched and commissioned in 1936, serving as one of the Treasury-class Coast Guard cutters, known for their durability and versatility. • Named after a Treasury Secretary: The cutter was named after William J. Duane, who served as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Andrew Jackson in 1833. • World War II Service: During WWII, Duane was transferred to the U.S. Navy and served as a convoy escort in the treacherous North Atlantic, protecting merchant ships from German U-boats. • Sunk a German U-boat: In April 1943, while escorting Convoy HX-233, Duane played a key role in the sinking of U-175, rescuing 22 of its crew after depth charging and forcing it to the surface. • D-Day Support: Duane was assigned to support the Normandy landings in June 1944, providing communications and search and rescue services for Allied forces. • Korean War Service: After WWII, Duane continued her service and was recommissioned for Korean War duties, performing weather patrols and search and rescue operations. • Ocean Station Duty: For decades, Duane served as an ocean station vessel, collecting meteorological data, aiding navigation, and providing emergency assistance in the Atlantic. • Vietnam War Patrols: In the late 1960s, Duane was deployed to Vietnam for Operation Market Time, interdicting North Vietnamese supply routes by sea. • Longest Active Treasury-class Cutter: Duane was the last active Treasury-class cutter, serving for over 49 years before her decommissioning in 1985. • Artificial Reef: In 1987, Duane was intentionally sunk off Key Largo, Florida, and today serves as a popular artificial reef and scuba diving site in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.