USCGC Klamath

• USCGC Klamath (WHEC-66) was an Owasco-class high endurance cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1946, named after the Klamath River. • The cutter was originally designated as WPG-66 but was reclassified as WHEC-66 (High Endurance Cutter) in 1966. • Klamath was built at Western Pipe & Steel in San Pedro, California, and launched on July 26, 1945. • She served on ocean station duty, weather patrol, and law enforcement missions in the Pacific, based out of Seattle, Washington, and later Alameda, California. • During the Korean War, Klamath participated in patrol and rescue operations, supporting United Nations forces. • One of her notable missions involved the rescue of survivors from the sinking of the SS Marine Sulphur Queen in 1963, although no survivors were found. • Klamath took part in the Vietnam War as part of Operation Market Time (1967–1968), conducting coastal patrols and interdictions to prevent the flow of supplies to North Vietnamese forces. • She was involved in the interception of illegal drug shipments and the enforcement of fisheries regulations in the 1970s. • Klamath was awarded several commendations, including the Coast Guard Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Service Medal. • After 30 years of distinguished service, USCGC Klamath was decommissioned on May 1, 1973, and later scrapped in 1974, but her legacy continues in Coast Guard history.