USCGC Sebago (WHEC-42)

• World War II Origins: USCGC Sebago (WHEC-42) was originally commissioned in 1945 as a Lake-class cutter, built for the United States Coast Guard near the end of World War II. • Namesake: The cutter was named after Sebago Lake in Maine, continuing the Coast Guard tradition of naming cutters after prominent bodies of water. • Service in Weather Patrols: Shortly after commissioning, Sebago was assigned to North Atlantic weather patrol duties, providing vital meteorological data for military and civilian transatlantic flights. • Korean War Service: During the Korean War, Sebago was deployed to the Far East, where it performed escort and patrol duties, supporting United Nations forces. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, Sebago actively participated in the naval quarantine of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, enforcing the blockade against Soviet ships. • Vietnam War Operations: Sebago served in Operation Market Time, conducting coastal surveillance and interdiction missions off the coast of Vietnam to prevent the flow of arms to enemy forces. • Rescue Missions: The cutter was involved in numerous search and rescue missions throughout its career, saving the lives of sailors and aviators in distress in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. • Law Enforcement: Sebago participated in law enforcement operations, including anti-smuggling and fisheries patrols, upholding U.S. maritime laws and treaties. • Decommissioning: USCGC Sebago was decommissioned in 1972 after nearly three decades of distinguished service, marking the end of its operational history with the Coast Guard. • Legacy: The service and missions of Sebago are commemorated by veterans’ organizations and maritime history enthusiasts, reflecting the cutter’s significant contributions during pivotal moments in 20th-century history.