I don't know about you but I feel it is time that Harbour Lights made a replica of a 255' or 327' Coast Guard High Endurance Cutter rich in Coast Guard history. Three of these cutters come to mine and they are the 255' Androscoggin, and two 327' cutters, the Ingham and Taney. I have had the pleasure to serve on the "Andy" during a Viet Nam Tour and the Ingham on what were lovingly called "Ocean Station Patrols". Let me give you some history and interesting facts on why I believe these cutters could be a tribute to the men and women of the Coast Guard.

1. USCGC Androscoggin WHEC 68 - A "Lake Class" Cutter originally designed to be between 316' and 355' in length. Because of many theories, and no one knows for sure what the real reason was, the "Andy" and other ships in her class was finally built at 255' in length. She and the other ships in her class were some of the strongest ships during her days because of a frame every foot in length. They never changed the hull design even though they shortened the length. The "Andy" was commisioned on Sep. 26 1946 and decommisioned on Feb. 27, 1973. The Androscoggin's claim to fame is she was the most decorated Coast Guard Cutter of the Viet Nam War. During a dark night in the spring of 1968 the "Andy" intercepted 3 Viet Cong Trawlers loaded with small arms and ammunition that were trying to run the blockade off the southern tip of Viet Nam. The "Andy" turned back two of these trawlers and sunk the 3rd trawler. This battle was hailed as the biggest navel battle during the Viet Nam War. The "Andy" took several hits during this battle on her racing stripe when she was illuminated by friendly forces. No one was hurt due to the gunfire from the trawlers. The "Andy" was also the first Coast Guard Cutter to wear the Coast Guard's Racing Stripe when the "Andy" was assigned to be in the Frank Sinatra movie"Assult on a Queen" in late 1966 - early 1967.

2. USCGC Ingham WHEC 35 - A 327' "Secretary Class" cutter with teak decking that was commisioned on Sep. 17, 1936 and decommisioned on May 27, 1988. Ingham is one of two remaining 327' Cutters on display for the public to tour. Ingham had the distinction of being the oldest commisioned naval vessel on active duty and wearing Gold Hull numbers for this distinction from Aug. 1, 1985 to her decommisioning in 1988, she was the last Coast Guard Cutter to sink a German U-Boat during WWII and she is now a National Landmark located in Charleston,SC and is the Coast Guard's National Memorial to the 912 Coast Guardsman killed in action in WWII and Viet Nam.

3. USCGC Taney WHEC 37 - Taney was also a 327' High Endurance Cutter with beautiful teak decking that was commisioned on Oct. 24, 1936 and decommisioned on Dec. 7, 1986. Taney's main claim to fame is she was homeported in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, 1941 and was the last surviving affloat commisioned naval vessel of the 101 that were there during the attack. Taney was underway immediately after the attack and provided support and safety to the harbor for the next 80 days straight. Taney is now the 2nd High Endurance 327' Cutter that is on display for the public. She is located in Baltimore's inner harbor.

I am campaigning for one of these cutters to be made by Harbour Lights as an Anchor Bay release maybe in the next year. I have already talked to Don about doing an older historic Coast Guard Cutter and he indicated he would be interested if enough support were there and he could get pictures of these ships. The Coast Guard Historian can furnish the pictures but I need you support in words so Don can see that a ship of in one of these classes would be a popular seller.

I feel the Ingham, being the Coast Guard's National Memorial to the 912 Coast Guardsman that lost their life during WWII and Viet Nam, would be the best choice for a replica.

This would definitely have my support. Just tell me what I need to do. Should we send letters?

I'm hoping that if enough Forum Members read this post and respond in a positive way, I can forward the entire post to Don to let him know our feelings. I know that it takes about a year from planning to completion so the timing would be great if we get a positive response and this piece could be introduced for the Coast Guard's 217th Birthday on August 4th, 2007. This would give Harbour Lights about 13 months to plan and complete. Inputs from clubs and groups would help out quite a bit. When you think about it, the Coast Guard is always there to help out and very seldom recognized for their work unless there is a disaster that they are working in. It's time to recognize one of these historic cutters and the men that served on them and other Coast Guard Units during this time frame.

What a terrific proposal, Rich! I am always amazed at how little many Americans know about the Coast Guard and the tremendous job they do and have done in wars and conflicts in which our country participated. It would be a fantastic tribute to the men and women of the Coast Guard if HL would make a replica of the Ingham. If this information could be distributed via a Coast Guard newsletter or such, I imagine that a lot of Coasties would want to purchase the model even if they are not collectors. Way to go!

OOOOOOOOHHH (drool) YES!!

Great idea Rich and also an excellent choice to in my way of thinking. A wonderful memorial to the lost lives. Lets hope it happens!

I emailed Harry the other day letting him know my interest in a high endurance cutter. Ironically he is getting ready to discuss what Anchor Bay may make in the future and he also expressed an interest in possibly making a cutter.

I am a little bit disappointed in the response to this post about your feelings. I had hoped to have quite a few responses by this time. Maybe it is the holiday or maybe just a lack of time or interest in having a cutter made. The neat thing about the older high endurance cutters is they had an awning over the fantail and were not built like boxes as the new ships are. Also possible is to have 2 versions made like the Mackinaw. During the war the cutters were painted with camoflage paint and now they are painted white with the racing stripe. It's possible that a limited edition could be painted camoflage like the white Mackinaw and the main production could be white with the racing stripe.

Come on folks and give me your yeas, nays or whatevers.

It's terrific that Harry seems to be on the same wavelength with you, Rich. That's a really positive indicator. Now, if we can get more CF members interested. Those of us who are interested need to be vigilant and need to keep bringing this topic back up for those who have missed it.

Hey Rich, how about a link to the ships you are talking about.

Sometimes a picture is worth, they say a thousand words.

On this page you can see photos of the USCGC Ingham, declared a National Monument to the Coast Guardsmen killed in action in World War II and Vietnam. One is as she was in 1953, and the other shows her racing stripe.
USCGC Ingham

Here's a small photo in her camouflage paint near the bottom of this page, top left in the photo album...
Click on the thumbnail pic

Nice links, Judy. You are so right about the value of seeing a picture. (Thanks for requesting it, Eric.) Maybe the pictures will help more folks get interested.

Here is a link to the Taney:
http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/G-CP/HISTORY/WEBCUTTERS/Taney_WPG37_Photos.html

Here is a link to the Ingham
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/Ingham_WPG35_Photos.html

Here is a link to the Androscoggin:
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/Androscoggin_1946.html

If you information, more pictures of history all you have to do is Google on "USCGC Taney, USCGC Ingham or USCGC Androscoggin".

Those are some really historical pictures on those links! It's too bad the Ingham isn't still in Portsmouth so we could visit during the Tidewater trip.

Thanks Judy and Rich for the links. I think it would make a wonderful Anchor Bay.

Thanks Judy and Rich for the links. They were very interesting.

Rich, Again I like your idea of doing both--with racing stripe and one with the camo. Hopefully the pictures and stories will help. It is nice to see that Harry is open to this idea and is on the same page so to speak. Lets hope it comes to be.

There's another branch besides the Air Force? I do like the Ingham and it has a Honorable past and present. Somehow, went to scrap doesn't seem right. If you need a letter let me know, but if Harry's interested that a plus for sure. He knows what ear's need to whisper in for sure. I just signed up for auto ship on AB! Great Links above thanks.

Chuck

Sound like you have another project Rich.

The Taney would be a cool addition, especially since it is moored in Baltimore. That would bode well with the 2000 reunion attendees. Especially if you a "buy 'em as I see 'em" tyope like me.

Mike

There's just something about a white ship. I was at Mayport Naval Station a couple of months back and the Cutter Gallatin was in port: http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cutter/gallatin/index.htm.

Sorry, I didn't take any pictures in ship operations areas. By the way, if you want to visit the lights (Mayport and St Johns) it's very easy, just stop at the main gate, get a pass and drive as you please.

Try this link:
http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cutter/gallatin/index.htm

Bob, unless they have recently changed, you must have a military ID to get a pass or have someone sign you in.

Well, I had a military ID but the clerk originally ask only for "ID." I didn't try without the mil ID so you could be very right.

I know for a fact that Mayport NS and NAS Jacksonville require a Military ID to get on the base. In fact NAS JAX also looks at my wife's Military ID as we're passing through the gate.

Yes, they should make a High Endurance Cutter. AND there are several other cutters that Anchor Bay should do:

The 180' Coastal Buoy Tender

These were the work horses of the CG fleet for 60 years. With the final 180 (USCGC ACACIA - WLB 406), decommissioned on June 7th, a model is long overdue.

The new 225' "Juniper" Class Coastal Buoy Tender:

This is the state-of-the-art cutter that replaced the 180's.

The USCGC STORIS (WMEC 38)

This is a "one of a kind" cutter that was built in 1942. She is the "Queen of the Fleet", the oldest commissioned ship in the Coast Guard. Because of this, her hull numbers are painted in gold. It is also the last WWII cutter that was built for the Coast Guard, still commissioned.

Sadly, she will be decommissioned in 2007.

I agree that the Storis should also be done, but, let's get a 327' or 255' WHEC done first. There are so many other worthy CG Cutter Classes that are due recognition so it will be a hard decision to make as to what takes priority.

I really like the USCGC Androscoggin (WHEC 68), she had nice lines. She served well in Viet Nam

The USCGC Ingham (WHEC 35), has quite the history. She's a fine looking ship as well.

Either would be a great choice. Personally, I would like to see an "Andy" replica, but I agree with your reason to choose the Ingham.

AB definitely needs to make more historic cutter replicas, and if the word got out to CG vets, I'm sure that many would buy them.

I already Own a USCGC George Cobb (WLM 564), and I just ordered a USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB 83).

An Ingham, or Androscoggin would be a great addition to "my fleet".

Anyone else have an opinion.....anyone, anyone.....Bueller?

High Endurance Cutter!!! High Endurance Cutter!!! High Endurance Cutter!!! High Endurance Cutter!!! High Endurance Cutter!!!

I would like to see the USCGC Duane WHEC33. My husband was on this ship when he was in the Coast Guard, stationed out of Portland, Maine. The ship is now an artifical reef in Key Largo.

HANG ON TO YOUR HATS !!!! A highly reliable source says that I am going to be a HAPPY CAMPER. I was informed today that one of my 3 choices(Ingham, Taney or Androscoggin) will be made by Anchor Bay. The source did not tell me which one but just said that it is coming. It will be great to have an old High Endurance Cutter in the Anchor Bay shipyards.

Sounds good to me...REALLY good!

I'd be most happy with any of the three, but kind of hope it will be the Ingham.
Did your source give you any clue as to maybe 2007?

Thanks for this news, Rich!

Judy

I'm hoping for the Ingham also as I served on it. The Ingham is also the Goast Guard's National Monument to Coasties that died in action. I also served on the Androscoggin in Viet Nam and it was the most decorated CG Vessel in Nam. The Taney is also a good choice as it was at Pearl Harbor. I'll be happy whichever ship gets done as long as it's an older High Endurance Cutter that has sleek lines rather then the "box" affect that the new cutters have.

No real time frame given for issue but wishful thinking and hoping it will be done in time for the Coast Guard's 217th birthday on August 4th 2007.

I would love to see a High Endurance Cutter.
I am going to ask Bill when he gets home if he knows anything about these three cutters. It will get him started talking about his Coast Guard days.

I think any new product that depicts the CG would be great. I am a little biased - I prefer the small boat fleet. Such as the 36ft, 47ft, and 52ft Motor Life Boats.

If I can ever find out how to place a picture on here I have some things that would blow your minds!

Having worked on all the older small boats(30' UTB, 40' UTB, and 44' MLB plus the 82' WPB and 95' WPB) my feelings lean towards these. The older High Endurance Cutters such as the 255', 311', 327' WHECs are deepest in my feelings of the old Guard. When the designs started going modern such as the 210' WMEC and 378' WHEC Cutters I think that the romance most Coasties felt towards their ships also started to dwindle. Color me old fashion but how can you get excited about a rubber life raft with an outboard motor on it when you have the a 30' UTB SAR boat in your mind. My opinion of course from a 63 year old retired Coastie.

I would be up for anything new that is USCG related. A cutter would be great! Anyone want to consider the USCG in the air? How about a chopper that they use?

FlaCoastie,
I agree completely with you. Even in the small boat fleet, the romance has disappeared with the new generation. I ran 44'MLBs out of Yaquina Bay, as well as the MLB Victory, built in 1956. If BeaconBob would be so kind in posting the picture I sent him, you can see the 52 in action. Although I love the new 47' MLB's, they are bare aluminum - no painting required. It cuts down on manhours, but you lose the pride you have in a well painted hull or turtle!

When I was stationed at New Smyrna Beach we had a 40' and 44'. I rode both of them thru the inlet and felt a whole lot safer on the 44' knowing it would self right itself. They now have a 47' there and it is "mean" looking but somehow I also miss the white hull. The times they are a-changing.

Rich
Did you ever ride the 38 footers that the Coast Guard had back in the 50s? They would also right itself up if turned over.
I hope HL makes the cutter Taney which had a lot of history behind it. It can be now seen at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Hal

Never rode the 38 footer. I started with the 30 footer in the late 60's.