US Coast Guard Icebreakers Based in Seattle
The US Coast Guard operates icebreakers from its base in Seattle, which serves as the main mission support unit for Coast Guard District 13 and polar areas of responsibility, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The base is home to several Coast Guard cutters, including icebreakers that are crucial for maintaining a US presence in these polar regions.
Armament and Conflict Potential
The primary role of the US Coast Guard’s polar icebreakers is to support national objectives in the polar regions, which include scientific research, logistical support, resource exploration, and maritime security. While these icebreakers are not primarily designed for combat, they do play a role in national defense by providing a visible presence and the capability to monitor and react to events in the Arctic. This presence helps to protect US interests and sovereignty in the region.
Modernization of Base Seattle
To address the challenges posed by climate change and to support the evolving mission requirements, the US Coast Guard is undertaking a significant expansion and modernization of Base Seattle. This includes:
Land Acquisition and Infrastructure Development: The base will acquire additional land to support the development of new facilities and infrastructure necessary for future homeported vessels, including the new Polar Security Cutters (PSCs).
Facility Upgrades: The modernization plan involves demolishing outdated buildings and constructing new ones, such as a 3-story Mission Support Building and a 5-story Base Administration Building. Existing buildings like Building 7 will be rehabilitated to meet current needs and seismic standards.
Utility and Security Enhancements: Upgrades will be made to the base’s utilities, including communications, electrical, natural gas, sanitary sewer, potable water, and storm sewer systems. Security enhancements will include upgrading the main gate and security fencing.
Environmental Considerations: The Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) prepared for the modernization project analyzes the potential environmental impacts and outlines measures to minimize negative effects. This includes planning for future mission flexibility to reduce the need for costly future modifications and their associated environmental impacts.
Addressing Climate Change
The modernization efforts at Base Seattle are partly driven by the need to adapt to the changing Arctic environment due to climate change. As sea ice melts, new trade routes are opening, and geopolitical competition in the Arctic is increasing. The US Coast Guard is expanding its icebreaker fleet to maintain a strong presence in the region and to ensure national security and sovereignty.
In summary, the US Coast Guard is enhancing its capabilities at Base Seattle to support its icebreaking missions in the polar regions, addressing both current deficiencies and future needs driven by climate change and geopolitical dynamics.
While the icebreakers are not primarily armed for conflict, their presence and capabilities contribute to national defense and maritime security in the Arctic.
Impact of New Icebreakers on Coast Guard Operations in the Arctic
The introduction of new icebreakers, specifically the Polar Security Cutters (PSCs), is expected to significantly enhance the US Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in the Arctic. Here are the key impacts:
1. Increased Icebreaking Capacity
The US Coast Guard’s current fleet includes only one operational heavy polar icebreaker, the Polar Star, and one medium icebreaker, the Healy. The new PSCs will address the “icebreaking capacity gap” by adding more heavy and medium icebreakers to the fleet. This will enable the Coast Guard to maintain a more consistent and reliable presence in the Arctic, ensuring year-round access to polar regions.
2. Enhanced National Security and Sovereignty
The new icebreakers will bolster the US presence in the Arctic, which is crucial for national security and sovereignty. The ability to operate in the Arctic year-round will help the Coast Guard monitor and respond to activities by other nations, particularly as geopolitical competition in the region intensifies. This presence is essential for protecting US interests and asserting sovereignty over Arctic territories.
3. Support for Scientific Research
The Healy, currently the only icebreaker specifically designed for Arctic research, will be complemented by the new PSCs. These vessels will support a wide range of scientific missions, including environmental monitoring, climate change research, and oceanographic studies. This will enhance the US’s ability to understand and respond to changes in the Arctic environment.
4. Improved Search and Rescue Operations
The new icebreakers will enhance the Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities in the Arctic. With more vessels capable of operating in extreme conditions, the Coast Guard will be better equipped to respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety of mariners and supporting humanitarian missions in the region.
5. Strengthened International Cooperation
The new icebreakers will facilitate greater international cooperation through joint exercises and professional exchanges with foreign partners. This will help build regional stability and security, as well as strengthen collaborative partnerships with other nations.
6. Modernization and Technological Advancements
Maritime Safety and Security: Visitors can see exhibits showcasing the Coast Guard’s role in protecting shores, lives, and property. This includes displays of rescue boats, patrol boats, and cutters used for maritime security operations .
- Aids to Navigation: The museum features exhibits on the Coast Guard’s responsibility for maintaining lighthouses, lightships, buoys, and other navigational aids. This includes historical lenses from lighthouses and buoys .
- Icebreaking Operations: There are displays and models of icebreakers, highlighting the Coast Guard’s crucial role in maintaining presence and conducting operations in polar regions like the Arctic .
- Environmental Protection: Exhibits cover the Coast Guard’s efforts in environmental protection, such as responding to oil spills and marine pollution incidents.
- Search and Rescue: Visitors can see artifacts and displays related to the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations, including historic rescue equipment and vessels .
The PSCs will incorporate modern technologies and design improvements, addressing the limitations of the aging Polar Star. This includes advanced hull designs to withstand icebreaking, improved propulsion systems, and enhanced crew accommodations. These advancements will ensure the new icebreakers are more efficient, reliable, and capable of meeting the demands of Arctic operations.
Armament and Propulsion of Polar Security Cutters (PSCs)
Propulsion
The Polar Security Cutters (PSCs) will be powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system. Key details include:
- Main Diesel Generators: Supplied by Caterpillar.
- Propulsion Units: Two ABB Azipod propulsion units and one shaft line provided by Trident Maritime Systems.
- Power Output: The system will develop over 45,200 horsepower (33,700 kW).
- Icebreaking Capability: The PSCs will be capable of breaking ice between 6 and 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) thick.
Armament
The PSCs will feature a combat system derived from the Aegis Combat System. While specific offensive weapons have not been detailed, the design includes “space, weight, and electrical power set aside to carry offensive weapons.” A machine gun to ward off drones will be permanently mounted but use of Aegis implies that the vessels could be equipped with various armaments if required, potentially including anti-ship missiles. Canada is doing something similar.
Comparison to Russian Nuclear Icebreakers
Propulsion
- Russian Nuclear Icebreakers: These vessels are powered by nuclear reactors, which provide a significant advantage in terms of endurance and power. For example, the Russian Arktika-class icebreakers are equipped with two nuclear reactors, each generating 171 MW (229,000 hp), allowing them to break through ice up to 9.8 feet (3 meters) thick continuously and thicker ice by ramming.
- PSCs: In contrast, the PSCs use a diesel-electric propulsion system with a power output of 45,200 hp, capable of breaking ice up to 8 feet thick. While powerful, this is less than the nuclear-powered Russian icebreakers.
Armament
- Russian Nuclear Icebreakers: Traditionally, Russian icebreakers have not been heavily armed, focusing instead on their icebreaking and logistical capabilities. However, some newer designs and proposals have included provisions for defensive armaments.
- PSCs: The inclusion of space, weight, and power for offensive weapons in the PSCs suggests a potential for greater armament flexibility compared to traditional Russian icebreakers. This aligns with the broader mission scope of the PSCs, which includes defense readiness and national security.
Summary
The PSCs will be propelled by a diesel-electric system with significant icebreaking capabilities, though not as powerful as the nuclear reactors used in Russian icebreakers. The potential for arming the PSCs with offensive weapons provides a strategic advantage, aligning with their role in national security and defense readiness in polar regions. This combination of capabilities ensures that the PSCs will be versatile assets for the U.S. Coast Guard, capable of performing a wide range of missions in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The new icebreakers will significantly enhance the US Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in the Arctic, supporting national security, scientific research, search and rescue operations, and international cooperation. These vessels will ensure the US maintains a strong and effective presence in the rapidly changing Arctic environment.
13th Coast Guard District
As mentioned Coast Guard Seattle is the main mission support unit for the 13th Coast Guard District (D13), which encompasses the Pacific Northwest and has a variety of vessels assigned to it. D13 is made up of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Over 3,000 active duty and reserve members, civilian employees, and Coast Guard Auxiliarists are stationed in the Pacific Northwest, according to the Coast Guard’s Website.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the vessels by type:
Cutters
- Total Cutters: 21
Here is the detailed information for some of the specified U.S. Coast Guard cutters:
USCGC Adelie (WPB-87333)
- Year Placed in Service: 2000
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 10
- Mission: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; search and rescue; law enforcement; marine environmental response; recreational boating safety; military readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Specific notable activities not detailed in the search results
USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360)
- Year Placed in Service: 2005
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 10
- Mission: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; search and rescue; law enforcement; marine environmental response; recreational boating safety; military readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Participated in OPERATION SEAFAIR 2008 on Lake Washington
USCGC Cuttyhunk (WPB-1322)
- Year Placed in Service: 1988
- Type of Vessel: Island-class patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 30 knots
- Number of Crew: 17
- Mission: Law enforcement (drug and illegal alien interdiction); homeland and port security; search and rescue; marine environmental protection; defense readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Assisted in one of the largest maritime drug seizures in the Pacific Northwest near Cape Flattery, Washington, in December 1997, recovering over 3,500 pounds of marijuana
USCGC Osprey (WPB-87307)
- Year Placed in Service: 1999
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 10
- Mission: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; search and rescue; law enforcement; marine environmental response; recreational boating safety; military readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Specific notable activities not detailed in the search results
USCGC Sea Lion (WPB-87352)
- Year Placed in Service: 2003
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 11
- Mission: Search and rescue; fisheries enforcement; law enforcement; homeland security
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Completed 2655 operational hours, 196 at-sea boardings, 62 naval escorts, and 11 search and rescue cases as part of District Thirteen’s Readiness and Stewardship initiative
USCGC Swordfish (WPB-87358)
- Year Placed in Service: 2004
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 10
- Mission: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; search and rescue; law enforcement; marine environmental response; recreational boating safety; military readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Specific notable activities not detailed in the search results
USCGC Terrapin (WPB-87366)
- Year Placed in Service: 2006
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 10
- Mission: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; search and rescue; law enforcement; marine environmental response; recreational boating safety; military readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Specific notable activities not detailed in the search results
USCGC Wahoo (WPB-87345)
- Year Placed in Service: 2002
- Type of Vessel: Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat
- Where Built: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots
- Number of Crew: 10
- Mission: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; search and rescue; law enforcement; marine environmental response; recreational boating safety; military readiness
- Special Markings: Standard Coast Guard markings
- Notable Activities: Specific notable activities not detailed in the search results
These vessels are integral to the Coast Guard’s operations in District 13, performing a wide range of missions from search and rescue to law enforcement and environmental protection.
Boats
Total Boats: 132
52-foot Motor Lifeboats:
4 (Victory, Invincible II, Triumph II, Intrepid) Ships under 64 feet 11 inches are considered boats.
Here are the key details about the 52-foot motor lifeboats used by the U.S. Coast Guard in District 13 (covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana):
Design and Construction:
- These are steel-hulled boats with aluminum superstructures, built in the late 1950s and early 1960s specifically for the harsh conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
- Length of 52 feet, beam of 14 feet 7 inches, draft of around 7 feet.
- Displacement of 32 tons (75,715 lbs).
- Hull divided into 7 watertight compartments for buoyancy and damage control.
- Powered by twin GM 6-71 diesel engines producing 170 hp each, giving a top speed of 11 knots.
- Equipped with a 250 gallon-per-minute fire pump for dewatering and firefighting capabilities.
- Designed for heavy weather search and rescue in the rough seas and surf conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
- Virtually unsinkable with self-righting and self-bailing abilities.
- Can tow vessels up to 750 long tons in 30-foot seas (far exceeding the 47-foot MLB’s 150-ton tow capacity).
- Outfitted with a full galley to extend endurance on long-range missions.
- Operational range of 495 nautical miles.
- Capacity for 5 crew plus 35 additional survivors.
Fleet Details:
- Only 4 of these 52-foot MLBs were constructed due to their high cost of around $250,000 each in the 1960s.
- The 4 boats are named Victory, Invincible II, Triumph II, and Intrepid.
- Stationed at lifeboat stations in Yaquina Bay, OR, Grays Harbor, WA, Cape Disappointment, WA, and Coos Bay, OR.
- As of 2022, funding was approved to eventually replace these aging lifeboats that have been in service since the late 1950s/early 1960s.
So in summary, these 52-foot steel motor lifeboats were purpose-built heavy weather rescue vessels for the hazardous Pacific Northwest, with enhanced capabilities compared to the standard 47-foot MLBs. Their small fleet of just 4 boats has operated for over 60 years in District 13.
47-foot Motor Lifeboats:
The 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) is a standard rescue vessel used by the United States Coast Guard, including in District 13.
Here are the key features and details about the 47-foot MLB:
Design and Construction
- Length: 47 feet 11 inches (14.6 meters)
- Beam: 14 feet (4.27 meters)
- Draft: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 meters)
- Displacement: 18 tons (20 short tons)
- Hull Material: Constructed entirely from 5456 marine-grade aluminum
- Hull Design: Hard-chined deep “V” planing hull, designed to exceed its hull speed
- Frame: Composed of 17 vertical bulkhead frames, each welded to the deck and hull, with five watertight compartments
Propulsion and Performance
- Engines: Twin electronically controlled diesel engines
- Speed: Capable of speeds up to 25 knots
- Range: 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) cruising range
- Control Systems: “Fly-by-wire” control systems, allowing operation from four different locations (two from the enclosed bridge and two amidships from an open bridge)
Capabilities
- Heavy Weather Operations: Designed to operate in hurricane-force winds and heavy seas, capable of surviving winds up to 60 knots (110 km/h) and breaking surf up to 20 feet (6 meters)
- Self-Righting: Can self-right in less than 10 seconds if capsized, with all equipment remaining fully functional
- Survivor Recovery: Recessed retrieval wells situated less than 1 foot (30 cm) above the waterline for easier recovery of persons and jetsam
- Survivor’s Compartment: Equipped for comprehensive first aid, located at the combined center of rotation of the ship
Armament and Equipment
- Optional Armament: Can be fitted with a light machine gun (M240B) at the front of the vessel
- Firefighting: Equipped with a 250 gallon-per-minute fire pump for dewatering and firefighting capabilities
Operational Use
- Primary Role: Fast-response rescue vessel for high seas, surf, and heavy weather environments
- Crew: Typically operated by a crew of 4, with the capacity to carry up to 34 persons (4 crew and 30 passengers)
Service and Upgrades
- In Service: Since 1997, with 227 units completed and active
- Service Life Extension Program (SLEP): The Coast Guard’s In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program has been extending the service life of the 47-foot MLB fleet by 20 years through 2047. This includes modifications to improve speed, responsiveness, and hull integrity.
Notable Features
- Survivability: Known for its durability and ability to operate in extreme conditions, making it one of the most reliable rescue vessels in the Coast Guard’s fleet.
- Training: Frequently used for training exercises in heavy surf conditions, particularly in challenging waters like those near Cape Disappointment and Tillamook Bay.
Visual and Media References
- Videos: There are several videos showcasing the 47-foot MLB in action, including training exercises in heavy surf near Ilwaco, Washington, and other locations.
In summary, the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat is a robust, versatile, and highly capable rescue vessel designed to perform in the most challenging maritime conditions, making it an essential asset for the U.S. Coast Guard, including in District 13.
Response Boat – Medium (RB-M): Part of the fleet but specific numbers for the Pacific Northwest are not detailed in the sources.
Based on the provided search results, here are the key details about the Response Boat – Medium (RB-M) used by the U.S. Coast Guard, including District 13 which covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana:
- Length: 44 feet 9 inches (13.64 m) overall, with 43 feet 9 inches hull length
- Beam: 14 feet 7.75 inches (4.46 m)
- Draft: 3 feet 4 inches (1.02 m)
- Displacement: 16.3 tons
- Hull material: All-aluminum construction with deep-V double chine hull for stability
- Self-righting capability if capsized
- 2 x MTU Detroit Diesel turbocharged Series 60 diesel engines producing 825 hp total
- 2 x Kongsberg Maritime FF-Series waterjets
- Top speed over 40 knots
- Cruising speed of 30 knots
- Range of 250 nautical miles at 30 knots
- Designed for multiple missions – search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, environmental protection, defense operations
- Rescue features include retrieval wells, survivor compartment for first aid
- Can operate in up to 8-foot seas and 30-knot winds
- Survivable in 12-foot seas and 50-knot winds
- Towing capacity of 100 displacement tons
- Limited ice-breaking ability in thin ice/slush
Crew and Armament:
- Crew of 4
- Capacity for 24 total personnel
- Armed with 2 x M240B general purpose machine guns
Electronics/Sensors:
- FLIR thermal imager
- Furuno integrated navigation system
- VHF radios and direction finder
- Automatic identification system
Production:
- Designed by Camarc Design (UK)
- Built by Marinette Marine (WI) and Kvichak Marine (WA) between 2006-2015
- 174 total RB-Ms constructed to replace retiring 41-foot utility boats
- Entered service starting in 2008, with final delivery in 2015
So in summary, the 45-foot RB-M is an aluminum, high-speed, multi-mission boat designed to revitalize the Coast Guard’s shore-based fleet with enhanced capabilities compared to the previous 41-foot utility boats. Its deep-V hull, water jets, rescue features and armament allow it to conduct the Coast Guard’s maritime security, law enforcement and search/rescue roles effectively.[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
Other Boats: Includes various types such as aids to navigation boats, near-shore lifeboats, and tactical training boats.
Aircraft
Based on the provided search results, here are the details on the aircraft used by the U.S. Coast Guard in District 13’s three sectors – Puget Sound, Columbia River, and North Bend:Sector Puget Sound:
- MH-65E Dolphin helicopters based at Air Station Port Angeles
- Used for search and rescue, homeland security missions in Puget Sound region
- Likely also utilizes MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters for medium-range recovery missions
- One photo shows a Jayhawk aircrew rescuing hikers in Oregon in 2024
- May have access to HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft for extended missions
- Though based elsewhere, HC-130Js provide coverage for District 13
Sector Columbia River:
- MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station Astoria conduct operations
- Photo shows Jayhawk training near North Head Lighthouse
- Sector Columbia River crews also train with the Jayhawks for hoist operations
- An aviation survival technician is pictured being lowered from a Jayhawk
Sector North Bend:
- Utilizes the MH-65 Dolphin helicopters
- A photo depicts an MH-65 conducting hoist training with a 52-foot motor lifeboat crew
While the search results don’t exhaustively list every airframe, they indicate Sectors Puget Sound and Columbia River rely heavily on the MH-65 and MH-60T helicopter models for maritime operations.
Sector North Bend seems to primarily use the MH-65s based on the provided information.The long-range HC-130J aircraft likely provide overwatch and support for all three sectors when needed, despite being based outside of District 13’s area of responsibility. No other fixed-wing aircraft are specifically mentioned operating routinely in these sectors.
- Total Aircraft: 11
Summary
- Cutters: 21
- Boats: 132
- Aircraft: 11
These vessels and aircraft are distributed across various Coast Guard units and stations in the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River Sector, Puget Sound Sector, and other locations within the 13th Coast Guard District. D13’s headquarters is located in Seattle, with three Sector offices managing operations in their respective areas – Puget Sound, Columbia River, and North Bend, according to the United States Coast Guard’s website. They support a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and aids to navigation maintenance.
According to the search results, Coast Guard aircraft played several critical roles and missions during World War II:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Coast Guard aircraft conducted patrols and delivered 61 bombing attacks on enemy submarines during the war.
- They used aircraft like the Grumman JF/J4F amphibians, Consolidated PBY flying boats, and Martin PBM Mariner flying boats for long-range maritime patrol and ASW missions.
- Air-Sea Rescue
- In 1943, the Coast Guard was assigned responsibility for air-sea rescue operations by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- The first Navy Air Sea Rescue squadron was formed in San Diego under Coast Guard command to provide coverage for pilot training on the West Coast, using PBY-5A aircraft.
- Coast Guard helicopters, like the Sikorsky HNS-1 flown by CDR Frank Erickson, conducted pioneering air-sea rescues and medical evacuations.
- Arctic Operations
- The Coast Guard’s experience in Arctic operations led to it operating an all-Coast Guard patrol squadron (VP-6CG) based in Greenland with 9 PBY-5A aircraft.
- They provided air cover for North Atlantic and Greenland convoys, conducting many rescue operations over 27 months.
- Coast Guard aircraft transported personnel and supplies to remote locations.
- They operated a large number of flying boats like the PBY-5A and PBM-5 Mariner for long-range logistics missions after the war.
- International Ice Patrol
- From 1949, aerial ice observations by Coast Guard long-range aircraft gradually replaced surface patrols for the International Ice Patrol.
So in summary, Coast Guard aviation focused on anti-submarine warfare, air-sea rescue, Arctic operations, logistics, and eventually took over aerial ice patrol duties – playing a vital role in securing maritime and aviation operations during WWII.
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
A visitor to the Coast Guard Museum Northwest located at the Coast Guard Base Seattle can see a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that reflect the diverse missions and activities of the United States Coast Guard, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region. Based on the provided search results, here are some of the notable exhibits and displays:
Exhibits Highlighting Coast Guard Missions
Maritime Safety and Security: Visitors can see exhibits showcasing the Coast Guard’s role in protecting shores, lives, and property. This includes displays of rescue boats, patrol boats, and cutters used for maritime security operations .
Aids to Navigation: The museum features exhibits on the Coast Guard’s responsibility for maintaining lighthouses, lightships, buoys, and other navigational aids. This includes historical lenses from lighthouses and buoys .
Icebreaking Operations: There are displays and models of icebreakers, highlighting the Coast Guard’s crucial role in maintaining presence and conducting operations in polar regions like the Arctic .
The BEAR was the first Coast Guard acquired vessel especially designed for icebreaking. Built in aviotind th 0814, the ship’s hull was of six-inch thick strakes of oak bolted to oak ribs with Swedish iron. Her sides were sheathed with Australian iron bark, the toughest wood known.
Part of the Newfoundland sealing fleet in her early days, the BEAR was purchased by the U.S. in 1884 to take part in the dramatic rescue of the ill-fated A. W.Greely polar expedition.
The U.S. Revenue Service, fore-runner of the modern Coast Guard, obtained the Ship in 1805 for use on Arctic patrols.
During the next 39 years, the BEAR’s missions included every conceivable kind of rescue, assisting trapped whalers and stranded Arctic explorers.
In 1929, the BEAR was decommissioned and turned over to the city of Oakland, California, for use as a maritime museum and a training ship for the Sea Scouts. She became known as the BEAR of Oakland. It was at this time that she served as the set for the filming of Jack London’s “Sea Wolf”
In 1932, Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd purchased the BEAR, refitted her with diesel generators and radios and sailed to Antarctica to explore 1,100 miles of uncharted coastline. The ship also took part in two similar Navy mission to Little America in 1939 and 1940.
The BEAR was decommissioned in 1944 and owned by private interests until she sank while under tow in a raging Atlantic storm in 1963.
Environmental Protection: Exhibits cover the Coast Guard’s efforts in environmental protection, such as responding to oil spills and marine pollution incidents.
Search and Rescue: Visitors can see artifacts and displays related to the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations, including historic rescue equipment and vessels .
Significant Artifacts and Collections
Ship Models and Parts: The museum houses numerous detailed ship models, as well as actual parts and components from historic Coast Guard vessels, such as ship’s wheels, binnacles, and bells .
U.S.C.G.C. GEORGE W. CAMPBELL
Seven 327′ cutters were built in East Coast Navy Yards between 1935 and 1937. They were powered by two geared steam turbines and had a maximum speed of 21 knots.
Of the seven, three were homeported in Washington and Alaska:
- SAMUEL D. INGHAM at Port Angeles between December 1936 and September 1939,
- JOHN C. SPENCER at Cordova from April 1937 to November 1939 and
- CAMPBELL at Port Angeles from 5 June 1974 until decommissioned on 1 April 1982. CAMPBELL was sunk as a Navy gunnery target in November 1984.
Uniform and Equipment Displays: Visitors can see a wide range of Coast Guard uniforms, from historical to modern, as well as various equipment used by Coast Guard personnel .
Captured Artifacts: The museum showcases items captured by the Coast Guard during World War II, such as the sextant from the German U-boat U-873 and items from the German trawler Externsteine .
Largest Public Collection of Coast Guard Patches: The museum boasts the largest public collection of Coast Guard patches, reflecting the diverse units and operations .
Library and Archives: The museum houses a library with over 3,000 books, periodicals, and historical documents related to the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest maritime history, providing valuable research resources .
By showcasing these exhibits and artifacts, the Coast Guard Museum Northwest offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted roles and rich history of the United States Coast Guard, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region.
Crime and Pop Culture
A woman is currently in charge of the US Coast Guard. Admiral Linda L. Fagan became the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard on June 1, 2022, making her the first woman to lead any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Background of Admiral Linda L. Fagan
Early Life and Education
- Born: July 1, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio.
- Education:
- Graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1985 with a B.S. degree in marine science. She graduated as one of 16 women from the Coast Guard Academy in 1985.
- Earned a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Washington in 2000.
- Obtained an M.S. degree in national security strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at the National Defense University in 2008.
In addition to the Thompson, the University of Washington acquired a new smaller research vessel in 2017 called the R/V Rachel Carson, which was originally built in Scotland in 2003 as a fisheries research vessel.
Career Milestones
- Early Career: Began her career as a deck watch officer on the Seattle-based heavy icebreaker, the Polar Star, where she was the only woman aboard during her two-year tour.
- Flag Assignments:
- Vice Commandant: Became the 32nd Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard in 2021, and the Coast Guard’s first female four-star admiral.
- Commandant: Nominated to succeed Karl L. Schultz as Commandant of the Coast Guard in April 2022, confirmed by the Senate on May 11, 2022, and assumed office on June 1, 2022.
Achievements and Contributions
- Trailblazer: First woman to lead a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first female four-star admiral in the Coast Guard.
- Advocacy for Diversity: Emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion within the Coast Guard, aiming to make the service more representative of the society it serves.
- Operational Experience: Extensive operational experience, having served on all seven continents and in various high-profile roles, including marine safety and international maritime organizations.
Personal Life
- Family: Her daughter, Aileen, is also a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and serves as a lieutenant in the Coast Guard.
Admiral Fagan’s leadership marks a significant milestone in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and the broader U.S. military, reflecting progress in gender equality and the breaking of long-standing barriers.
As Commandant, she oversees all global Coast Guard operations and 42,000 active-duty, 7,000 reserve, and 8,700 civilian personnel, as well as the support of 21,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers.
The R/V Thomas G. Thompson (AGOR-23) is the primary research vessel currently used by the University of Washington. It has been in service since 1991. The vessel underwent a major mid-life overhaul from 2016 to 2017, extending its operational life and enhancing its capabilities. This is the vessel in operation when Fagan earned her Master of Marine Affairs degree at the University of Washington. The previous USNS Thomas G. Thompson (AGOR-9) that served the University of Washington from 1965-1988 was ultimately retired, renamed a couple times, and then intentionally sunk in 2004 after over 40 years of service as part of a NATO training exercise.
Admiral Linda Fagan, as the new Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, has outlined several key priorities to guide the service under her leadership. These priorities focus on policy transformation, personnel support, modernization, and addressing emerging challenges. Here are the main priorities based on the provided sources:
1. Policy Transformation
Admiral Fagan has emphasized the need to transform the Coast Guard’s policy management system. She aims to provide the necessary policy, training, and support to ensure the success of Coast Guard personnel as the service modernizes its assets and infrastructure.
2. Personnel Support and Talent Management
Common International Code of Signals Flags and Their Meanings
- A (Alfa): “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.”
- B (Bravo): “I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.”
- C (Charlie): “Yes (affirmative).”
- D (Delta): “Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.”
- E (Echo): “I am altering my course to starboard.”
- F (Foxtrot): “I am disabled; communicate with me.”
- G (Golf): “I require a pilot.”
- H (Hotel): “I have a pilot on board.”
- I (India): “I am altering my course to port.”
- J (Juliett): “I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear.”
- K (Kilo): “I wish to communicate with you.”
- L (Lima): “You should stop your vessel immediately.”
- M (Mike): “My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.”
- N (November): “No (negative).”
- O (Oscar): “Man overboard.”
- P (Papa): “The Blue Peter” (In port: All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea. At sea: It may be used by fishing vessels to mean ‘My nets have come fast upon an obstruction’).”
- Q (Quebec): “My vessel is ‘healthy’ and I request free pratique.”
- R (Romeo): “The way is off my ship. You may feel your way past me.”
- S (Sierra): “I am operating astern propulsion.”
- T (Tango): “Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.”
- U (Uniform): “You are running into danger.”
- V (Victor): “I require assistance.”
- W (Whiskey): “I require medical assistance.”
- X (X-ray): “Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.”
- Y (Yankee): “I am dragging my anchor.”
- Z (Zulu): “I require a tug.”
Fagan has placed a high priority on supporting the Coast Guard workforce. This includes:
- Recruiting Initiatives: Establishing new recruiting offices and expanding programs like the Scout Talent and Refer (STAR) recruiting program.
- Talent Management Transformation: Implementing a Talent Management Transformation Task Force to create a more agile and integrated human resources structure. This includes providing greater flexibility in service, aligning individual talents with service needs, and modernizing hiring, training, and promotion processes.
- Family Support: Ensuring Coast Guard families have access to world-class housing, healthcare, and childcare. This includes expanding parental leave, building more Child Development Centers, and improving mental health services.
3. Modernization of Assets and Infrastructure
Admiral Fagan has highlighted the importance of investing in the modernization of the Coast Guard’s operational assets and shore infrastructure. This includes:
- Icebreaking Fleet Expansion: Increasing the number of polar icebreakers from two to six to address the challenges posed by climate change and to maintain a strong presence in the polar regions.
- Infrastructure Investment: Securing funding for new construction and maintenance to ensure the readiness and resilience of shore facilities.
4. Addressing Climate Change and Emerging Challenges
Fagan has acknowledged the impacts of climate change on the maritime environment and the Coast Guard’s missions. She has emphasized the need to adapt to these changes and to address great power competition, cybersecurity threats, and other emerging challenges.
5. Global and Homeland Security
The Coast Guard under Fagan’s leadership will continue to play a critical role in both homeland and global security. This includes:
- Maritime Security: Enhancing maritime border security, crisis response, and cybersecurity protection of critical infrastructure.
- International Cooperation: Supporting freedom of navigation and maritime governance around the world, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific.
6. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Admiral Fagan has also stressed the importance of making the Coast Guard more diverse and inclusive. This includes efforts to ensure that women and underrepresented minorities are not penalized for family responsibilities and can continue to advance within the service.
In summary, Admiral Fagan’s main priorities as the Commandant of the Coast Guard focus on transforming policy management, supporting personnel, modernizing assets and infrastructure, addressing climate change and emerging challenges, enhancing global and homeland security, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the service.
History of the Coast Guard SPARS
The U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, known as the SPARs, was established on November 23, 1942, by an act of Congress signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt[4][5]. The acronym SPAR is derived from the Coast Guard’s motto “Semper Paratus” and its translation “Always Ready”[2][4].
The SPARs were created to release men from stateside service for overseas duty during World War II, similar to the Army and Navy women’s reserves[2]. Over the course of the war, between 10,000 and 11,000 women volunteered for the SPARs[4]. The average enlisted applicant was 22 years old with a high school diploma and a few years of work experience[4].
In 1944, the Coast Guard opened enlistment to African American women, and a total of five African American SPARs served during the war[5]. The first African American woman to enlist was Olivia Hooker, who had been rejected by the Navy WAVES due to her race[5].
After the surrender of Japan in August 1945, the women’s reserve branches of all the services were disbanded, though the label SPARs continued to be applied informally to female Coast Guardsmen[4]. In 1956, twenty-one women were serving in the Coast Guard Reserve[4].
Women in the Coast Guard Today
As of 2023, women make up approximately 22% of the active-duty Coast Guard, with over 6,000 women serving in various roles[1]. The Coast Guard has made efforts to recruit and retain women, including establishing the Women’s Leadership Council and implementing policies to support work-life balance[1]. Biden said 40 percent of today’s enrollment at the Coast Guard Academy is female. “Now we need to keep working … to make sure women are not penalized for having children,” but remain in the service and keep being promoted.
Recruiting Women in the Military
While the search results do not provide direct comparisons of recruiting women versus men across all military branches, they suggest that the Coast Guard has faced challenges in recruiting women, particularly in the early years of the SPARs program.
To address this, the Coast Guard issued guidance in 1944 for SPAR recruiting officers to actively seek out prospective applicants and their families, rather than waiting for women to walk into recruiting offices[1]. The Coast Guard also used a music and dance show called “Tars and Spars” to raise awareness and attract potential recruits.
In summary, the Coast Guard SPARS played a significant role in World War II, and women continue to serve in the Coast Guard today, making up approximately 22% of the active-duty force. While the search results do not provide definitive comparisons, they suggest that the Coast Guard, like other military branches, has faced challenges in recruiting women and has implemented various strategies to attract female recruits.
Based on the provided sources, Admiral Linda Fagan, the current Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, recently testified before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding the handling of sexual assault and harassment cases within the Coast Guard Academy.
The key points regarding Admiral Fagan’s involvement and testimony are as follows:
- Admiral Fagan faced intense scrutiny and questioning from lawmakers during a Senate hearing on June 11, 2024, about the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault and harassment cases, particularly the alleged cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor (OFA).
- OFA was an internal Coast Guard investigation that substantiated dozens of mishandled sexual assault allegations at the Coast Guard Academy between the late 1980s and 2006. However, the findings were not disclosed to Congress or made public until June 2023.
- Senators, led by Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), accused Fagan and the Coast Guard leadership of fostering a culture of secrecy, withholding critical information from investigators, and failing to hold accountable those responsible for misconduct related to sexual assault cases.
- Fagan acknowledged that the Coast Guard’s failure to share the OFA report with Congress was a mistake that eroded trust. She expressed her commitment to changing the culture and supporting victims but faced criticism for using ongoing investigations as a shield to avoid answering specific questions.
- Lawmakers pressed Fagan on the steps she was taking to ensure that perpetrators of sexual assault and those who cover up their crimes are removed from the service, highlighting that more survivors leave the Coast Guard than perpetrators .
- Fagan admitted that she had learned about OFA when the agency’s leadership council was briefed in 2018, but she did not have direct evidence of misconduct regarding the decision to keep the findings from Congress.
- A whistleblower, Shannon Norenberg, the former sexual assault response coordinator at the Coast Guard Academy, accused top leaders of directing her to lie to sexual assault victims and Congress, making her an unwitting accomplice in the OFA cover-up.
In summary, while Admiral Fagan was not directly implicated in sexual harassment cases, she faced intense scrutiny and questioning from lawmakers during her recent Congressional testimony regarding the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault and harassment cases, particularly the alleged cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor.
Coast Guard Short 3,500 Personnel in FY 2023, Fagan Says
Coast Guard Auxiliary and Sea Scouts
Search results highlight the close partnership between the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Sea Scouts which can serve as a pathway for Sea Scouts to join the Auxiliary and Coast Guard.
Here are the key points regarding joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary, especially from a Sea Scout’s perspective:
- In August 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary officially adopted the Boy Scouts of America’s Sea Scout program as its youth program . This formalized partnership allows Sea Scouts to benefit from Coast Guard training and seamanship education.
- Any Sea Scout who is at least 14 years old can choose to become a full member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by following the normal application process . This provides opportunities for Sea Scouts to participate in a wider range of Auxiliary missions and activities.
- To join the Auxiliary, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years of age, and have no criminal record . There are no specific physical requirements, so individuals with various abilities can find roles to serve.
- Interested individuals can inquire about joining the Auxiliary by completing an online form , which will connect them with a local Auxiliary unit for further discussions and the application process.
- The application process involves security and background checks due to the sensitive nature of some Auxiliary missions .
- Once accepted, new Auxiliary members undergo training to qualify for various roles and missions, such as recreational boating safety, marine safety, environmental protection, and supporting the Coast Guard .
While the search results do not provide statistics on how many Sea Scouts or Scouts eventually join the Coast Guard or Auxiliary, the close partnership and pathway established through the Auxiliary’s adoption of the Sea Scout program suggest that it serves as a potential recruitment avenue for both organizations.