USCGC Gresham

• Commissioned in 1897: USCGC Gresham was originally commissioned as a revenue cutter in 1897, serving under the United States Revenue Cutter Service before the formation of the modern Coast Guard. • Spanish-American War Service: During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Gresham was part of defensive operations along the U.S. East Coast, protecting harbors and shipping. • Alaska Patrols: Gresham was assigned to patrol the waters of Alaska, enforcing laws and providing aid to mariners in the challenging and remote region. • World War I Duty: The cutter was transferred to the U.S. Navy during World War I, where she performed convoy escort and patrol duties in the Atlantic. • Rescue Operations: Gresham was involved in numerous rescue missions, including saving the crew of the stranded steamer Queen in Alaskan waters in 1906. • Prohibition Enforcement: During the 1920s, Gresham played an active role in enforcing Prohibition laws, intercepting rumrunners and smuggling vessels off the U.S. coast. • Longest-Serving Cutter: By the time she was decommissioned, Gresham was one of the longest-serving cutters in Coast Guard history, with over 40 years of service. • Modernization: The cutter underwent several modernizations, including the installation of wireless telegraphy in the early 20th century, making her one of the first cutters with this technology. • Recommissioned for World War II: Gresham was brought back into service during World War II, performing patrol and rescue duties along the U.S. coastline. • Final Fate: After decades of service, USCGC Gresham was decommissioned for the last time in 1944 and eventually scrapped, ending a remarkable career that spanned three major conflicts and countless peacetime missions.