ABOUT USCG Yard Curtis Bay
- Established in 1899: The USCG Yard Curtis Bay was founded in 1899 and is the only shipbuilding and major repair facility of the United States Coast Guard.
- Strategic Location: Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the yard has direct access to the Chesapeake Bay, making it a prime spot for shipbuilding and repair operations.
- World War II Contributions: During World War II, the Yard constructed 300 vessels and repaired over 1,300 ships, playing a crucial role in supporting the war effort.
- Innovator of Modular Shipbuilding: The Curtis Bay Yard pioneered modular shipbuilding techniques, which allowed for faster and more efficient vessel construction.
- Home of the “Eagle” Repairs: The USCGC Eagle, the Coast Guard’s training barque, has been frequently overhauled and repaired at Curtis Bay, ensuring it remains seaworthy for cadet training.
- Environmental Initiatives: The Yard has implemented significant environmental measures, including hazardous waste reduction and waterfront restoration projects, earning multiple environmental awards.
- Support for NASA: In the 1960s, the Yard fabricated and tested recovery equipment for NASA’s Gemini and Apollo space missions, contributing to America’s space race.
- Women’s Service: During WWII, over 200 women served in the SPARS (the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve) at the Yard, working in various roles to support the war effort.
- Historic Dry Dock: The Yard’s dry dock, built in 1899, is still in operation and is one of the oldest functional dry docks in the country.
- Modern Capabilities: Today, Curtis Bay continues to provide maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for Coast Guard cutters, buoy tenders, and other vessels, ensuring operational readiness for missions worldwide.