U.S. Coast Guard

Port Security Unit 301 (PSU 301) is a United States Coast Guard Reserve unit established in 1995 and based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Its primary mission is to provide expeditionary force protection for military and civilian ports worldwide, specializing in harbor and port defense, coastal security, and anti-terrorism operations. PSU 301 has deployed in support of major operations including Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it provided crucial security for strategic ports in the Middle East. The unit is composed of highly trained reservists capable of rapid deployment, and it regularly participates in joint exercises with allied forces to maintain readiness.

Port Security Unit (PSU) 309 is a United States Coast Guard Reserve unit established in 1995 and based in Port Clinton, Ohio. The unit specializes in maritime security, providing waterside and landside protection for ports, vessels, and critical infrastructure worldwide. PSU 309 has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, conducting security missions in the Middle East and other strategic locations. The unit's highly trained reservists routinely participate in joint and combined exercises, maintaining readiness to respond rapidly to military and humanitarian contingencies.

Sector San Francisco is a United States Coast Guard unit responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding Northern California waters. Established in 2004 as part of the Coast Guard’s sector reorganization, it combined the responsibilities of several legacy units, including the former Marine Safety Office San Francisco Bay and Group San Francisco. The unit oversees search and rescue operations, vessel inspections, pollution response, and port security across one of the nation’s busiest and most strategically important harbors. Sector San Francisco has played a critical role in safeguarding maritime commerce, responding to environmental incidents, and supporting national security initiatives in the region.

**STATION BUFFALO** was a key United States military communication and monitoring post, first established during World War II in Buffalo, New York. Its primary mission was to serve as a naval radio intercept and direction-finding station, monitoring enemy transmissions across the Atlantic. Throughout the war and into the early Cold War period, STATION BUFFALO played a crucial role in intelligence gathering, supporting both naval operations and national security efforts. The unit's contributions were pivotal in improving Allied situational awareness and counterintelligence capabilities until its eventual deactivation as technology and strategic needs evolved.

**Station Scituate Search and Rescue** is a United States Coast Guard unit located in Scituate, Massachusetts. Established in the mid-20th century, the station has played a crucial role in maritime safety along the Massachusetts South Shore, responding to countless emergencies in the often-treacherous waters of the Atlantic. Over the decades, the unit has participated in high-profile rescue operations, assisting stranded vessels, saving lives during storms, and supporting the broader mission of coastal security. Its personnel are highly trained in search and rescue operations, consistently demonstrating dedication and professionalism in safeguarding both mariners and local communities.

US Coast Guard Station Muskegon, located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Muskegon, Michigan, has served as a vital maritime safety and rescue outpost since its establishment in the late 19th century. Originally founded as a Life-Saving Station in 1879, it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard upon the service's creation in 1915. The station has played a key role in search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and maritime safety throughout the region, responding to countless emergencies on the often-treacherous waters of Lake Michigan. Today, Coast Guard Station Muskegon continues its tradition of safeguarding lives, property, and the environment along Michigan’s western lakeshore.

USCG Base Sault Ste. Marie, located in Michigan near the strategic Soo Locks, has served as a vital United States Coast Guard installation since its establishment. The base's origins trace back to the early 20th century, supporting Coast Guard operations in the Upper Great Lakes region. Throughout its history, the unit has played a crucial role in icebreaking, search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and aids to navigation, ensuring safe passage for commercial and military vessels. Today, USCG Base Sault Ste. Marie continues its legacy as a key logistical and operational hub for Coast Guard missions in the Great Lakes.

The USCG Reserve Unit at Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco, has a proud history rooted in the strategic maritime defense of the West Coast. Established during World War II, the unit played a crucial role in coastal surveillance, harbor defense, and supporting naval operations in the busy San Francisco Bay. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, reservists stationed at Yerba Buena have been vital in search and rescue missions, law enforcement, and disaster response. Today, the unit continues its legacy by training and preparing Coast Guard reservists to support national security and maritime safety in Northern California and beyond.

USCG Station Point Judith, located in Narragansett, Rhode Island, has served as a critical hub for maritime safety and security since its establishment in 1876. Originally founded as a life-saving station under the United States Life-Saving Service, it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard after the service's formation in 1915. The station has played a pivotal role in search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection along the busy waters of Block Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. Over the decades, USCG Station Point Judith has continually adapted to evolving missions, maintaining a strong presence in safeguarding both mariners and coastal communities in southern New England.

USCGC Buttonwood (WLB-306) was a 180-foot Cactus-class seagoing buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1943. During World War II, she served in the Pacific, supporting amphibious operations by maintaining navigational aids and rescuing downed airmen. After the war, Buttonwood conducted aids to navigation, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions along the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and later in Hawaii. Decommissioned in 2001 after nearly six decades of service, she was transferred to the Dominican Republic, where she continued her duties as Almirante Didiez Burgos (BE-301).

USCGC CAPE SHOALWATER (WPB-95324) was a 95-foot Cape-class patrol boat commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1958. Designed primarily for search and rescue, law enforcement, and coastal patrol missions, she operated along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean. During her service, CAPE SHOALWATER played a pivotal role in maritime interdiction operations, including anti-smuggling and migrant interdiction efforts. She was decommissioned in 1990, having served over three decades as a vital component of the Coast Guard's coastal defense and humanitarian missions.

USCGC Clover (WLB-292) was a 180-foot sea-going buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1942. Built during World War II, Clover served on the Alaskan coast, performing aids-to-navigation, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions. Over her decades of service, she played a vital role in supporting Alaskan maritime operations and participated in several notable rescues and icebreaking tasks. Decommissioned in 1990, Clover's long service exemplified the versatility and endurance of the Coast Guard's buoy tender fleet.

USCGC LEGARE (WMEC-912) is a United States Coast Guard medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1990 and named after Hugh Swinton Legare, a 19th-century U.S. Attorney General. Homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia, LEGARE has played a vital role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security operations throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Over its service, the cutter has participated in numerous high-profile drug interdictions, migrant rescues, and international training exercises with allied navies. LEGARE remains an integral asset in the Coast Guard's mission to ensure maritime safety and security.

USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687) is a 100-foot Keeper-class coastal buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1996. Homeported in Baltimore, Maryland, Red Birch is responsible for maintaining aids to navigation along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, ensuring safe passage for commercial and recreational vessels. In addition to its primary mission, the cutter has supported search and rescue operations, environmental protection responses, and homeland security tasks. Over the years, Red Birch has played a vital role in maintaining maritime safety and supporting Coast Guard missions along the busy mid-Atlantic waterways.

USCGC Resolute (WMEC-620) is a Reliance-class medium endurance cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1966. Throughout its service, Resolute has played a vital role in maritime law enforcement, drug interdiction, search and rescue, and homeland security missions, primarily in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. The cutter has participated in numerous high-profile operations, including major drug seizures and humanitarian assistance missions. Over the decades, USCGC Resolute has earned multiple awards and commendations, reflecting its steadfast commitment to safeguarding U.S. maritime interests.

USCGC Sweetbrier (WLB-405) was a 180-foot Cactus-class seagoing buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Built during World War II, Sweetbrier operated primarily in Alaskan waters, performing aids-to-navigation, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions. Throughout her lengthy service, she responded to maritime emergencies and supported military and scientific operations in the North Pacific. After over five decades of service, Sweetbrier was decommissioned in 2001 and subsequently transferred to the Ghana Navy, where she continued service as GNS Bonsu.

USCGC THETIS (WMEC-910) is a United States Coast Guard Famous-class medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1989. Homeported in Key West, Florida, THETIS has played a pivotal role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense operations throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The cutter has participated in numerous high-profile drug interdictions, humanitarian missions, and international exercises, supporting U.S. and allied maritime security objectives. Over the years, THETIS has received commendations for her crew’s dedication and professionalism in safeguarding America's maritime interests.

USCGC Winona (WHEC-65) was an Owasco-class high endurance cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1946. Primarily assigned to law enforcement, search and rescue, and ocean station duties, Winona served extensively along the U.S. East Coast and in the Atlantic. During the Vietnam War, the cutter was deployed to Southeast Asia as part of Operation Market Time, conducting coastal patrols and interdiction missions. After decades of distinguished service, USCGC Winona was decommissioned in 1973.

USCGC Woodrush (WLB-407) was a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Throughout her service, Woodrush was primarily assigned to aids to navigation duties, icebreaking, and search and rescue operations in the Great Lakes and later in Alaska. Notably, she played a key role in the 1975 search and recovery efforts following the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. After over five decades of service, Woodrush was decommissioned in 2001 and later transferred to the Ghana Navy.

USCGS New London, CT, refers to the United States Coast Guard Station located in New London, Connecticut, a significant site for Coast Guard operations since the early 20th century. Established in 1910, it became the home of the United States Coast Guard Academy, serving as the primary training facility for future Coast Guard officers. Throughout both World Wars and the Cold War, the station played a crucial role in maritime safety, coastal defense, and officer education. Today, USCGS New London continues to support Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime security along the New England coastline.

The 601st Tactical Control Group (601 TCG) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Sembach Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1950s, the 601 TCG played a vital role in NATO’s air defense network by providing radar surveillance, airspace control, and tactical command and control across Central Europe. The unit operated mobile and fixed radar sites, coordinating with allied forces to detect, track, and intercept potential Soviet air threats. Throughout its tenure at Sembach AB, the 601 TCG contributed significantly to the security and readiness of U.S. and NATO air operations until its eventual reorganization and inactivation in the post-Cold War era.

CG Sta. Galloo Island, part of District #9, was established to provide vital maritime safety and security operations in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario. Located on Galloo Island, New York, the station played a crucial role in aiding navigation, conducting search and rescue missions, and enforcing maritime law throughout the region. The unit’s strategic placement allowed it to respond swiftly to emergencies involving commercial and recreational vessels, especially during the busy shipping seasons. Over the years, CG Sta. Galloo Island became a key asset in supporting the Coast Guard’s mission within the Great Lakes before its eventual decommissioning.

Coast Guard Station Sabine Pass, Texas, has its origins in the late 19th century, established in 1879 as one of the original U.S. Life-Saving Service stations along the Gulf Coast. Its primary mission was to provide maritime rescue and aid to ships navigating the hazardous waters near the Texas-Louisiana border. Over time, the station became part of the modern U.S. Coast Guard, expanding its responsibilities to include law enforcement, environmental protection, and port security. Today, Station Sabine Pass remains a vital asset, safeguarding maritime interests and supporting the local community along the Gulf of Mexico.

Coast Guard Station Venice, located in Venice, Louisiana, plays a vital role in maritime safety and security along the Gulf of Mexico. Established to support operations in the lower Mississippi River and surrounding coastal waters, the station’s crew specializes in search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions. Over the years, CG Station Venice has been instrumental in hurricane response efforts, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, providing critical aid and rescue operations. The unit continues to serve as a frontline defense against illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and environmental hazards in the region.