USCGC Winona

• Commissioned in 1946: USCGC Winona (WHEC-65) was commissioned shortly after World War II, serving as part of the United States Coast Guard’s fleet of high endurance cutters. • Owasco-Class Cutter: She was an Owasco-class cutter, a class known for its versatility and durability in a variety of missions including law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. • Korean War Service: Winona saw action during the Korean War, performing patrol and escort duties as part of the United Nations forces in the region. • Vietnam War Involvement: The cutter was deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Market Time, where she helped interdict the flow of supplies to North Vietnamese forces by sea. • Combat Engagement: On 1 March 1968, USCGC Winona participated in the sinking of a North Vietnamese trawler off the coast of South Vietnam, marking a rare naval engagement for the Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. • Rescue Missions: Throughout her service, Winona conducted numerous search and rescue missions, saving lives of mariners in distress in both peacetime and wartime operations. • Drug Interdiction: In addition to military duties, Winona was engaged in drug interdiction operations during peacetime, contributing to the Coast Guard’s law enforcement mission. • Arctic Operations: She participated in Arctic operations, showcasing the cutter’s adaptability to extreme conditions and its role in asserting U.S. presence in polar regions. • Decommissioned in 1973: After nearly three decades of service, USCGC Winona was decommissioned on 31 May 1973. • Legacy: Winona’s distinguished service in two major conflicts and peacetime missions exemplifies the multifaceted role of the Coast Guard and the endurance of the Owasco-class cutters.