U.S. Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 4-1, based in Salem, Massachusetts, has a proud history of supporting Coast Guard operations in the North Shore region. Established in the mid-20th century, Flotilla 4-1 has provided vital assistance in search and rescue missions, boating safety education, and maritime patrols along the Massachusetts coastline. Members of the unit have played key roles during local emergencies and community outreach, enhancing public awareness of marine safety. Today, USCG Auxiliary 4-1 continues its tradition of service, working closely with active-duty Coast Guard personnel and fostering a strong spirit of volunteerism in Salem and surrounding communities.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Grand Haven, MI, was established as part of the nationwide volunteer force supporting the United States Coast Guard since the Auxiliary’s founding in 1939. Located in the “Coast Guard City, USA,” the Grand Haven flotilla has a proud tradition of serving Lake Michigan and its surrounding waterways. Over the decades, its volunteers have assisted with search and rescue operations, public boating safety education, environmental protection, and vessel safety checks. The unit plays a visible role during the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, strengthening ties with both active-duty personnel and the local community.

**U.S. V Station Montauk** was a military installation located at the eastern tip of Long Island, New York. Established during World War II, the station played a critical role in coastal defense, housing heavy artillery batteries and serving as a radar outpost to detect enemy ships and aircraft. Throughout the Cold War, Montauk was upgraded as part of the Air Force's early warning system, featuring radar domes and missile tracking equipment. The site was eventually decommissioned and is now part of Montauk Point State Park, but its bunkers and radar towers remain as reminders of its strategic military significance.

USCGC Cape Knox (WPB-95312) was a 95-foot Cape-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1954. Built at the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, Cape Knox was primarily tasked with search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrol operations along the U.S. coastline. Throughout its service, the cutter played a vital role in safeguarding American waters and responding to emergencies, especially during the heightened maritime activities of the Cold War era. After decades of distinguished service, Cape Knox was eventually decommissioned as newer, more advanced vessels entered the Coast Guard fleet.

USCGC Point Hannon (WPB-82355) was an 82-foot Point class cutter built for the United States Coast Guard in the early 1960s. Commissioned in 1967, she was primarily assigned to law enforcement, search and rescue, and patrol duties along the U.S. coastline. Point Hannon served with distinction during her career, participating in numerous rescue operations and maritime enforcement missions. The cutter was eventually decommissioned as newer vessels replaced the Point class, but she remains a testament to the reliability and versatility of the Coast Guard’s patrol fleet.

**USCG ELD#03** is a United States Coast Guard Electronic Law Enforcement Detachment established in 2005 to enhance maritime security and counter-narcotics operations. Based out of Miami, Florida, ELD#03 specializes in advanced electronic surveillance, intelligence gathering, and cyber-defense in support of Coast Guard missions across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. The unit played a pivotal role in Operation Martime Shield (2012-2015), intercepting multiple high-value drug shipments and disrupting smuggling networks. ELD#03 continues to innovate in electronic warfare techniques, contributing to joint operations with the Department of Defense and allied nations.

The USCG Helicopter Maintenance (HM) "A" School is the United States Coast Guard’s premier training program for aspiring aviation maintenance technicians. Established to ensure the operational readiness and safety of Coast Guard rotary-wing aircraft, the school provides rigorous instruction in aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols. Located at Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, HM-A School has played a critical role in preparing enlisted personnel to maintain helicopters such as the MH-60 Jayhawk and MH-65 Dolphin. Graduates of the school are vital to Coast Guard missions, supporting search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security operations across the nation.

USCGC Kankakee (WLR-75500) is a 75-foot river buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1962. Assigned to the Eighth Coast Guard District, she operates primarily along the Mississippi, Illinois, and Kankakee Rivers, maintaining aids to navigation critical for inland waterway commerce. The cutter and her crew have also supported flood response, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection missions throughout her service. Over the decades, USCGC Kankakee has played a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of America’s inland waterways.

USCG LORSTA Sattahip, Thailand, was a United States Coast Guard Long Range Navigation (LORAN) station established during the Vietnam War era. Commissioned in 1966, the station played a crucial role in providing accurate navigation signals to U.S. and allied military and civilian vessels and aircraft operating in Southeast Asia. Operated and maintained by Coast Guard personnel, LORSTA Sattahip contributed significantly to the safe and efficient movement of forces during the conflict. The station was decommissioned in 1976 as advancements in navigation technology and the end of major U.S. operations in the region reduced the need for LORAN support.

The United States Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center (PPC) was established in 1979 in Topeka, Kansas, consolidating several Coast Guard pay and personnel functions to improve efficiency and accuracy. The PPC is responsible for administering payroll, personnel records, and related services for active duty, reserve, and retired Coast Guard members, as well as their families. Over the decades, the center has played a crucial role in implementing new technologies and policies, such as the transition to direct deposit and the integration of modern human resources systems. Through its dedicated support, the PPC has ensured timely and reliable pay and personnel services, contributing significantly to Coast Guard readiness and member morale.

The U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Office in Panama City, Florida, plays a vital role in supporting the Coast Guard’s mission by identifying and enlisting qualified candidates from the Gulf Coast region. Established to meet the growing demand for Coast Guard personnel, the office has helped staff numerous operational units, including those involved in search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection. Over the years, Panama City recruiters have contributed to the readiness and effectiveness of the Coast Guard by ensuring a steady influx of well-prepared recruits. Their ongoing efforts continue to strengthen the Coast Guard’s presence and capabilities along Florida’s coastline and beyond.

USCGC Southwind (WAGB-280) was a Wind-class icebreaker commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944 during World War II. Initially serving in the Arctic and North Atlantic, Southwind played a crucial role in escorting convoys, breaking ice, and conducting resupply missions to remote bases. In 1945, she was transferred to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease and renamed Admiral Makarov, before returning to U.S. service in 1949. Throughout the Cold War, Southwind continued to operate in polar regions, supporting scientific research and military operations until her decommissioning in 1974.

USCG Station Destin (STA Destin) is a United States Coast Guard station located in Destin, Florida, on the Emerald Coast. Established in 1977, the unit plays a critical role in maritime safety, law enforcement, and search and rescue missions throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay. The station operates a variety of response boats and works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the security and safety of the region’s busy waterways. Over the years, USCG STA Destin has become a vital asset in responding to hurricanes, environmental incidents, and recreational boating emergencies along Florida’s panhandle.

USCG Station Ashtabula, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, has served as a vital component of the United States Coast Guard’s operations on Lake Erie. Established in 1876 as a United States Life-Saving Service station, it was later incorporated into the Coast Guard upon the service’s formation in 1915. The station’s primary missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and maintaining maritime safety in the region. Over the decades, USCG Station Ashtabula has responded to countless emergencies, contributing significantly to the safety of mariners and the security of the Great Lakes region.

USCG Station Coos Bay, located in Charleston, Oregon, has served as a critical United States Coast Guard post since its establishment in 1878. Originally founded as a lifesaving station to assist mariners facing the hazardous bar and treacherous waters at the entrance to Coos Bay, the station has grown in capability and significance over the decades. Today, Station Coos Bay conducts a range of missions, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection along Oregon’s southern coast. Its crew remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of commercial and recreational mariners in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most challenging maritime regions.

U.S. Coast Guard Station Fairport Harbor, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie in Ohio, traces its roots back to 1876 when the U.S. Life-Saving Service established a station to protect mariners from the perils of the lake. Originally staffed by surfmen using oar-powered lifeboats, the station became part of the U.S. Coast Guard upon its formation in 1915. Throughout its history, Station Fairport Harbor has played a crucial role in search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection in the region. Today, it remains a vital part of the Coast Guard’s Ninth District, continuing its legacy of safeguarding Lake Erie’s waters and shoreline communities.

USCG Station Saginaw River, located near Bay City, Michigan, traces its origins to the late 19th century, serving as a vital point for maritime safety on Lake Huron and the Saginaw River. Originally established as a U.S. Life-Saving Service station in 1876, it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard when the service was formed in 1915. Over the decades, the station has played a critical role in search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and environmental protection in the region. Today, USCG Station Saginaw River continues its mission, upholding the Coast Guard’s legacy of safeguarding the Great Lakes and its communities.

USCG Station Sheboygan, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has served as a vital component of the United States Coast Guard since its establishment in the late 19th century. Originally founded as a U.S. Life-Saving Service station in 1876, it became part of the Coast Guard upon the merger of the Life-Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service in 1915. Throughout its history, the station has played a crucial role in search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection on Lake Michigan. Today, USCG Station Sheboygan continues its legacy of service, ensuring the safety and security of mariners and the local coastal community.

**USCGC WPB-83387** was an 83-foot patrol boat (cutter) of the United States Coast Guard, part of the famed 83-foot "Matchbox Fleet" built during World War II. Commissioned in the early 1940s, WPB-83387 served primarily in coastal patrol, search and rescue, and anti-submarine operations along the U.S. coastline. These vessels were notable for their involvement in the D-Day landings at Normandy, where they played a crucial role in rescuing downed airmen and wounded soldiers from the English Channel. After the war, many of the 83-footers, including WPB-83387, continued to serve in various peacetime missions before eventually being decommissioned.

USCGC Aquidneck (WPB-1309) is an Island-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1986. Primarily based out of the US East Coast, Aquidneck has played a vital role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense operations. Notably, she was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting interdiction and security patrols. Throughout her service, Aquidneck has exemplified the Coast Guard’s multi-mission capabilities before being decommissioned and transferred to the Georgian Coast Guard in 2021.

USCGC Arbutus (WAGL-400) was a United States Coast Guard buoy tender commissioned in 1933. Serving primarily along the East Coast, Arbutus was responsible for maintaining navigational aids and supporting maritime safety operations. During World War II, she was tasked with coastal patrols and escort duties, contributing to homeland defense and anti-submarine efforts. After decades of service, Arbutus was decommissioned in 1966, having played a vital role in both peacetime and wartime Coast Guard missions.

USCGC Bridle (WAT-341) was a United States Coast Guard tug commissioned in 1944 during World War II. She was assigned to assist with towing and salvage operations, playing a crucial role in support missions across the Atlantic theater. In 1947, Bridle notably participated in the recovery efforts following the tragic Texas City Disaster, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history. She continued her service in coastal and harbor duties until being decommissioned in 1969.

The USCGC Cape Carter (WPB-9532) was a 95-foot Cape-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1959. Primarily assigned to law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime patrol duties, Cape Carter operated out of several East Coast ports during her service. The vessel played a role in anti-smuggling operations and provided critical support during maritime emergencies throughout her career. Decommissioned in the late 1980s, Cape Carter exemplified the versatility and reliability of the Cape-class cutters during the Cold War era.

USCGC Cape Hedge (WPB-95311) was a 95-foot Cape-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1958. Designed primarily for law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime patrol missions, Cape Hedge operated extensively along the U.S. coastline during the height of the Cold War. The cutter was homeported in various locations and played a key role in intercepting illegal activities and assisting vessels in distress. After decades of distinguished service, Cape Hedge was decommissioned in the late 1980s as newer patrol boats entered the Coast Guard fleet.