USCGC TAMAROA

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About USCGC TAMAROA

USCGC TAMAROA (WMEC-166) was originally built as the U.S. Navy salvage tug USS Zuni (ATF-95) in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After being transferred to the United States Coast Guard in 1946, she was renamed TAMAROA and performed a wide variety of missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and oceanographic operations. TAMAROA gained national fame in 1991 for her role in the daring rescues during the "Perfect Storm," saving both Air National Guard and civilian crews in treacherous conditions. She remained in service until her decommissioning in 1994, after which she was eventually sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Delaware in 2017.

Unit Members

Sean Garland

U.S. Coast Guard

USCGC TAMAROAView Profile

Bruce Garrett

U.S. Coast Guard

USCGC TAMAROAView Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About USCGC TAMAROA

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Legendary Cutter: USCGC TAMAROA (WMEC-166) was originally commissioned as USS Zuni (ATF-95), a Navajo-class fleet tug, in 1943 for the U.S. Navy during World War II. • Normandy Invasion: As USS Zuni, she participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, assisting in towing operations and salvage missions under enemy fire. • Iwo Jima Heroics: Zuni played a key role during the Battle of Iwo Jima, rescuing the damaged USS LST-84 and later aiding the crippled USS Nevada (BB-36) under dangerous conditions. • Transition to Coast Guard: In 1946, she was transferred to the Coast Guard and renamed TAMAROA, after a Native American tribe from Illinois. • Rescue in "The Perfect Storm": TAMAROA gained fame in 1991 for her daring rescue missions during the "Perfect Storm," saving the crew of a downed Air National Guard helicopter and the sailing vessel Satori. • Multiple Roles: Over her career, TAMAROA served as a fleet tug, a search and rescue vessel, and an oceanographic research platform, showcasing her versatility. • Longest Serving Cutter: She was one of the longest-serving ships in Coast Guard history, with nearly 53 years in service before decommissioning in 1994. • Film and Literature: TAMAROA's rescue during the "Perfect Storm" inspired parts of the bestselling book by Sebastian Junger and the movie adaptation. • Artificial Reef: After decommissioning and years as a museum ship, TAMAROA was sunk off the coast of New Jersey in 2017 to become an artificial reef, continuing her service to the marine environment. • Decorated Service: Throughout her career, TAMAROA earned numerous commendations, including battle stars for her World War II service and awards for her rescue missions.