USS Barataria (WHEC-381)

USS Barataria (WHEC-381) was a Barnegat-class seaplane tender originally commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1944 during World War II. Serving primarily in the Pacific Theater, she provided support for seaplane operations, convoy escort, and search and rescue missions. After the war, Barataria was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1949, where she was reclassified as a high endurance cutter and undertook law enforcement, search and rescue, and ocean station duties. She remained in service until her decommissioning in 1969, marking a distinguished career across two branches of the U.S. armed forces.