USCGC Lilac (WLM-227)

• Historic Lighthouse Tender: USCGC Lilac (WLM-227) was launched in 1933 as a lighthouse tender, built to service and maintain buoys, lighthouses, and other navigational aids along the East Coast of the United States. • Last Surviving Steam-Powered Tender: Lilac is the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender in America, making her a rare artifact of maritime engineering. • World War II Service: During World War II, Lilac was fitted with armaments and served as a coastal convoy escort, in addition to her usual duties, to help defend against enemy submarines. • River and Coastal Operations: Throughout her career, Lilac worked in the treacherous waters of the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and New York Harbor, helping to keep vital shipping lanes safe. • Icebreaking Capability: Lilac was equipped with a reinforced hull, enabling her to break ice and maintain navigational aids during harsh winter conditions. • Rescue Missions: The crew of Lilac participated in numerous search and rescue operations, including responding to shipwrecks and maritime emergencies along the Atlantic coast. • Decommissioning and Preservation: Lilac was decommissioned in 1972 after nearly 40 years of service and is now preserved as a museum ship in New York City. • National Register of Historic Places: In 2005, Lilac was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing her significance in American maritime history. • Unique Steam Plant: Lilac still retains her original steam engines and boilers, making her a valuable example of early 20th-century ship propulsion technology. • Public Education and Events: Today, USCGC Lilac serves as a floating museum and event venue, offering tours, educational programs, and hosting community events on the Hudson River.