USCGC TAMPA

• Multiple Ships Named USCGC Tampa: The name "USCGC Tampa" has been assigned to several vessels in U.S. Coast Guard history, with the most famous being the cutter sunk during World War I. • Originally Named Miami: The first USCGC Tampa was originally commissioned as USRC Miami in 1912 before being renamed Tampa in 1916 to honor the city of Tampa, Florida. • Sunk in World War I: On September 26, 1918, while serving on convoy duty in the North Atlantic, USCGC Tampa was torpedoed by German submarine UB-91, resulting in the loss of all 131 people aboard—the single largest U.S. naval combat casualty of the war. • International Crew: The crew lost aboard Tampa included not only Coast Guardsmen, but also U.S. Navy personnel, British sailors, and civilians, exemplifying the international cooperation of the time. • Convoy Escort Duties: During World War I, Tampa was assigned to escort convoys between Gibraltar and the British Isles, protecting merchant ships from German U-boats. • Heroic Legacy: The loss of USCGC Tampa is commemorated annually by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the cutter is regarded as a symbol of the service's dedication and sacrifice during wartime. • Memorials: The names of Tampa’s crew are inscribed on the Coast Guard Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, and a dedicated plaque exists in Tampa, Florida. • Distinguished Service Record: Before World War I, Tampa (as Miami) participated in numerous law enforcement and rescue operations, including hurricane response and enforcing Prohibition laws. • Legacy Vessels: Later cutters named USCGC Tampa continued the tradition of service, including involvement in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and modern Coast Guard missions. • Centennial Remembrance: In 2018, the centennial of Tampa’s sinking was marked by ceremonies and educational efforts, bringing renewed attention to one of the Coast Guard’s greatest sacrifices.