CGC Chippewa

• Early Commissioning: The USCGC Chippewa was originally built as a United States Revenue Cutter in 1903, serving before the official formation of the modern U.S. Coast Guard. • Multiple Services: Chippewa served under the Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, and was also commissioned into the U.S. Navy during World War I. • World War I Patrols: During WWI, Chippewa was assigned to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Naval District, performing patrol and convoy escort duties along the East Coast. • Icebreaking Duties: Chippewa was designed as an icebreaking tug, which made her vital for keeping northern ports open during harsh winters. • Rescue Missions: Throughout her service, Chippewa participated in numerous rescue operations, saving crews from stranded or wrecked vessels in treacherous waters. • Technological Firsts: She was among the early Coast Guard cutters to be equipped with wireless telegraphy (radio), greatly enhancing communication at sea. • Famous Salvage: In 1917, Chippewa assisted in salvaging the USS Jacob Jones, a destroyer sunk by a German U-boat, showcasing her versatility beyond icebreaking. • Peacetime Service: After World War I, she continued law enforcement, search and rescue, and aids to navigation missions along the Eastern seaboard. • Decommissioning: Chippewa was decommissioned in 1935 after more than 30 years of service, marking the end of an era for early 20th-century cutters. • Legacy: The Chippewa’s name and legacy live on in historical records, reflecting the evolving role of the Coast Guard in American maritime history.