U.S. Coast Guard

Port Security Unit (PSU) 307, based in Clearwater, Florida, is a deployable unit of the United States Coast Guard specializing in maritime security and port defense. Established in 1999, PSU 307 has supported both domestic and overseas operations, including deployments to the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit is composed primarily of reservists and is trained to provide security for military and civilian ports, as well as conduct coastal patrols and interdiction missions. PSU 307 has earned recognition for its professionalism and adaptability in high-threat environments, contributing significantly to the Coast Guard’s expeditionary capabilities.

The U.S. Coast Guard Reserve unit in Charleston, SC, has played a vital role in supporting both local and national missions since its establishment. Composed of reservists trained in a variety of specialties, the unit has provided essential augmentation to active-duty operations in port security, search and rescue, and disaster response, particularly during hurricane seasons and national emergencies. Over the years, USCG Reserve Charleston has participated in joint exercises with other military branches and supported homeland security initiatives along the southeastern seaboard. Their ongoing commitment enhances the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and respond rapidly to crises in the region.

The United States Coast Guard Seventh District Headquarters, established in 1940, oversees Coast Guard operations throughout the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the district is responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, and homeland security across a vast area that includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. During World War II and the Cold War, the Seventh District played a crucial role in anti-submarine operations and counterdrug efforts. Today, the district remains at the forefront of disaster response, migrant interdiction, and international cooperation to secure the nation's southern maritime borders.

USCG Station Moriches, located in East Moriches, New York, has provided vital maritime safety and security services since its establishment in 1940. Originally built to replace a series of earlier U.S. Life-Saving Service stations in the area, the station has played a key role in search and rescue operations along the south shore of Long Island. During World War II, Station Moriches was active in coastal defense and anti-submarine patrols. Today, the unit continues its mission under the United States Coast Guard, focusing on law enforcement, environmental protection, and recreational boating safety.

USCG Station South Padre Isle, located on South Padre Island, Texas, is a United States Coast Guard station with a mission focused on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection along the Gulf Coast. Established to support operations in the busy waterways near the U.S.-Mexico border, the station has played a crucial role in search and rescue missions, law enforcement, and counter-narcotics efforts in the region. Over the years, its crews have assisted in hurricane response operations, migrant interdiction, and the safeguarding of commercial and recreational boating traffic. The station continues to serve as a vital asset in maintaining maritime safety and security in the Lower Texas Gulf Coast.

USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot Iris-class buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Throughout her service, Blackthorn was primarily tasked with maintaining navigational aids along the Gulf Coast and supporting various Coast Guard missions such as search and rescue and law enforcement. On January 28, 1980, Blackthorn was tragically lost in a collision with the tanker SS Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay, resulting in the deaths of 23 crew members—the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. The incident led to significant improvements in Coast Guard training, safety protocols, and navigational procedures.

USCGC Cape York (WPB-3863) was a United States Coast Guard 95-foot Cape-class patrol boat commissioned in 1959. Primarily stationed in New York, Cape York conducted search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and maritime patrols along the Atlantic coast. During her service, the cutter responded to numerous maritime emergencies and contributed to anti-smuggling and coastal security missions during the Cold War era. Cape York was decommissioned in 1977, after nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Coast Guard and maritime safety.

USCGC Chincoteague (WHEC 375) was an Owasco-class high endurance cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1945. Initially designed for service in World War II, she was completed too late to participate in the conflict but served actively during the postwar era. Chincoteague conducted search and rescue, law enforcement, and oceanographic missions, notably operating out of various East Coast ports. She also played a significant role during the Vietnam War as part of Operation Market Time, conducting coastal patrols and interdiction operations. The cutter was decommissioned in 1972, marking nearly three decades of distinguished service.

USCGC CHINOOK (WPB-87308) is an 87-foot Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1999. Based out of Bellingham, Washington, CHINOOK's primary missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, fisheries enforcement, and homeland security along the Pacific Northwest coast. The vessel has played a key role in safeguarding U.S. maritime interests, interdicting illegal activities, and assisting distressed mariners in the region. Throughout its service, USCGC CHINOOK has exemplified the Coast Guard's commitment to maritime safety and security.

USCGC Decisive (WMEC-629) is a United States Coast Guard medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1968. Primarily homeported in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Decisive has played a vital role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and counter-narcotics operations throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. Over its decades of service, the cutter has conducted numerous high-profile drug interdictions and migrant interdiction missions, earning multiple unit commendations. USCGC Decisive exemplifies the Coast Guard’s mission of safeguarding U.S. maritime interests and protecting lives at sea.

USCGC Eastwind (WAGB-279) was a Wind-class icebreaker commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. During World War II, she served in Greenland waters, supporting weather stations, resupply missions, and anti-submarine operations, including the capture of the German trawler Externsteine. After the war, Eastwind continued to operate in the Arctic and Antarctic, conducting scientific missions and supporting U.S. interests in polar regions. She remained in service until 1968, earning distinction for her vital role in cold-weather operations and polar exploration.

USCGC Kanawha (WLR-75405) is a 75-foot river buoy tender of the United States Coast Guard, commissioned in 1998. Assigned to the Eighth Coast Guard District, Kanawha is homeported in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and is responsible for maintaining aids to navigation along the Arkansas, White, and Mississippi Rivers. The vessel and its crew play a vital role in ensuring safe navigation for commercial and military traffic on these inland waterways. In addition to its primary mission, USCGC Kanawha also participates in search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement as needed.

USCGC Klamath (WHEC-66) was a high endurance cutter of the United States Coast Guard, originally homeported in Seattle, Washington. During the Vietnam War, Klamath served as part of Coast Guard Squadron Three, supporting Operation Market Time, which aimed to interdict the flow of supplies by sea to Viet Cong forces. Assigned to Coastal Division 11 at An Thoi and later to Division 12 at Da Nang, Klamath conducted coastal patrols, boarding and searching vessels, providing naval gunfire support, and assisting in search and rescue operations. The cutter's service in Vietnam exemplified the Coast Guard's vital role in joint military operations and maritime security during the conflict.

USCGC **Mahoning (WYT-91)** was a United States Coast Guard harbor tug commissioned in 1939. Serving during World War II, Mahoning operated primarily in the New York area, performing tug and icebreaking duties vital to harbor operations and the safe movement of military vessels. After the war, she continued to serve in the Coast Guard, supporting a variety of missions including search and rescue and port security. Mahoning was eventually decommissioned in 1969, concluding three decades of dedicated service to the nation.

USCGC MANITOU (WPB-1302) is a United States Coast Guard Island-class patrol boat commissioned in 1987. Primarily based out of Miami Beach, Florida, MANITOU has played a significant role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security missions throughout the Caribbean and Atlantic waters. The cutter has participated in numerous drug interdictions, migrant operations, and disaster relief efforts over its years of service. Renowned for its speed, agility, and versatility, USCGC MANITOU continues to be a vital asset to the Coast Guard’s mission of safeguarding American maritime interests.

USCGC Mariposa (WLB-397) was a Cactus-class 180-foot seagoing buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Built during World War II, she played a crucial role in maintaining and servicing navigational aids along the Pacific coast and later in Alaskan waters. Throughout her decades of service, Mariposa also conducted search and rescue missions, law enforcement operations, and icebreaking duties. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1990, marking nearly half a century of service to maritime safety and navigation.

USCGC Mesquite (WLB-305) was a 180-foot Iris-class buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1943. Throughout World War II and the following decades, Mesquite performed vital aids-to-navigation, search and rescue, and icebreaking operations primarily in the Great Lakes region. The vessel also contributed to law enforcement and environmental protection missions during her service. On December 4, 1989, Mesquite ran aground off Keweenaw Point, Michigan, and was subsequently deemed unsalvageable and abandoned; her wreck now serves as a popular dive site.

USCGC Mohawk (WMEC-913) is a Famous-class medium endurance cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1991. Named after the Native American Mohawk tribe, Mohawk’s primary missions include law enforcement, search and rescue, counter-drug operations, and national defense. The cutter has participated in numerous high-profile operations, such as major drug interdictions in the Caribbean and migrant rescues in the Florida Straits. Throughout its service, USCGC Mohawk has exemplified the Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

USCGC Muskingum (WAK-123) was a C1-M-AV1 type cargo vessel originally built for the U.S. Army as FS-316 during World War II. Transferred to the United States Coast Guard in 1947, Muskingum served primarily in the Pacific, providing logistical support and resupply missions to remote LORAN (Long Range Navigation) stations across the Pacific Ocean. The cutter played a crucial role in maintaining vital navigation aids during the early Cold War era, ensuring safe passage for both military and commercial vessels. After decades of service, Muskingum was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to the Philippine Navy, where she continued to serve under a new flag.

USCGC Northland (WMEC-904) is a United States Coast Guard Famous-class medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1984. Named after the original USCGC Northland, famous for its World War II Arctic operations, this modern vessel has conducted a wide range of missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and counter-narcotics operations throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific regions. Northland has played a key role in numerous drug interdictions and humanitarian assistance missions, often working in coordination with U.S. and international partners. The cutter’s versatility and robust operational history underscore its vital contribution to maritime security and national defense.

USCGC PATOKA (WLR-75408) is a United States Coast Guard inland construction tender, originally commissioned to serve along the nation’s rivers and waterways. Assigned to the Coast Guard’s Eighth District, PATOKA’s primary missions include maintaining aids to navigation (ATON), conducting search and rescue operations, and supporting riverine infrastructure. The vessel has played a vital role in ensuring safe navigation for commercial and recreational traffic along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Throughout its service, PATOKA has demonstrated versatility and reliability, contributing to the Coast Guard’s mission of maritime safety and security in the heartland of America.

USCGC Point Martin (WPB-82379) was an 82-foot Point-class cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1967. Initially stationed on the U.S. East Coast, she was later deployed to Vietnam in 1968 as part of Operation Market Time, where her crew conducted coastal patrols and interdiction missions to prevent the infiltration of supplies by sea. After distinguished service in Vietnam, Point Martin returned to the U.S. and resumed peacetime operations, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime safety missions. She remained in active service until being decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy in 1970.

It appears there may be a small error in the unit name "USCGC PonchertraineLiving." You may be referring to the USCGC Pontchartrain, a United States Coast Guard cutter. Here is a brief military history for **USCGC Pontchartrain**: Commissioned in 1945, USCGC Pontchartrain (WHEC-70) was a high endurance cutter that served with distinction in the United States Coast Guard. The vessel saw extensive service in the Pacific Ocean, performing search and rescue operations, weather patrols, and law enforcement missions. Notably, in 1956, the cutter played a pivotal role in the rescue of survivors from the commercial airliner SS Andrea Doria after its collision with the MS Stockholm. Decommissioned in 1973, the Pontchartrain left a legacy of humanitarian service and operational excellence. If you meant a different vessel or unit, please provide more details for a tailored history.

USCGC Spar (WLB-206) is a Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 2001. Homeported in Kodiak, Alaska, Spar is tasked with maintaining aids to navigation, conducting search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions throughout the harsh waters of Alaska and the Arctic. The vessel has played a crucial role in ensuring maritime safety and supporting Arctic operations, including icebreaking and community outreach missions. Spar is the second Coast Guard cutter to bear the name, honoring the original USCGC Spar (WLB-403), which served with distinction during World War II and beyond.