Lightship WAL 536

• Lightship WAL 536, also known as Lightship Chesapeake (LV-116/WAL-536): This vessel served as a floating lighthouse, helping to guide ships safely through the Chesapeake Bay and other treacherous waters along the U.S. East Coast. • Commissioned in 1930: WAL 536 was built and launched in 1930 by the Pusey & Jones Shipyard in Wilmington, Delaware, for the United States Lighthouse Service. • Service during World War II: During World War II, Lightship Chesapeake was taken off station and armed for coastal defense duties, reflecting the strategic importance of lightships during wartime. • Multiple Station Assignments: Throughout her career, WAL 536 served on several lightship stations, including Fenwick Island Shoal, Chesapeake, and Delaware Bay. • Renowned for Endurance: Lightship crews often served in harsh, isolated conditions, sometimes riding out hurricanes and major storms while anchored in place. • Longest-serving Lightship on Chesapeake Station: WAL 536 was stationed at the Chesapeake Light Station from 1933 to 1965, making her the longest-serving vessel at this important location. • Transition to Coast Guard Service: When the Lighthouse Service was merged into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939, WAL 536 became a Coast Guard vessel, reflecting the changing nature of maritime navigation aids. • Decommissioned in 1970: After being replaced by a light tower, WAL 536 was decommissioned, marking the end of an era for manned lightships in the Chesapeake region. • Preservation as a Museum Ship: Today, WAL 536 is preserved and open to the public as a museum ship at the Baltimore Inner Harbor, where visitors can learn about her history and the important role of lightships. • Designation as a National Historic Landmark: In 1989, Lightship Chesapeake was declared a National Historic Landmark, recognizing her significance in U.S. maritime and military history.