USCGC Monhegan (WPB-1305)

• Commissioning: USCGC Monhegan (WPB-1305) was commissioned in 1970 as part of the US Coast Guard’s Island-class patrol boats, designed for multi-mission operations including law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense. • Namesake: The cutter is named after Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine, continuing the tradition of naming Island-class cutters after U.S. islands. • Construction: Monhegan was built by the United States Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, reflecting the Coast Guard’s tradition of in-house shipbuilding for certain classes. • Drug Interdiction: During her service, Monhegan was heavily involved in drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean, seizing numerous vessels and large quantities of narcotics. • Haitian Migration Operations: In the early 1990s, Monhegan participated in Operation Able Vigil and Operation Able Manner, rescuing thousands of Haitian and Cuban migrants at sea. • Search and Rescue: The cutter was credited with saving hundreds of lives during search and rescue missions throughout her operational history, including hurricane responses and vessel emergencies. • Environmental Protection: Monhegan played a key role in enforcing fisheries regulations and protecting marine resources in U.S. waters. • Port Security: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Monhegan was deployed for homeland security operations, securing ports and coastlines from potential threats. • Decommissioning: USCGC Monhegan was decommissioned in 2004 after 34 years of service, marking the end of an era for this Island-class vessel. • International Service: After decommissioning, Monhegan was transferred to Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales program, where she continued to serve as PNS Sabqat.