CGC KAW

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About CGC KAW

**CGC KAW** is a United States Coast Guard Cutter that has served with distinction in maritime security and law enforcement roles. Commissioned in the mid-20th century, CGC KAW was primarily tasked with coastal patrol, search and rescue operations, and counter-narcotics missions along the U.S. coastline and surrounding waters. Over the decades, the vessel and its crew participated in multiple high-profile interdictions and lifesaving missions, earning commendations for their professionalism and effectiveness. As technology and mission requirements evolved, CGC KAW underwent several upgrades to maintain operational readiness and continues to be a vital asset in the Coast Guard fleet.

Unit Members

Tom Muenzler

U.S. Coast Guard

CGC KAWView Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About CGC KAW

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Name Origin: CGC KAW, originally named Kaw, was a United States Coast Guard cutter whose name derives from the Creek word for "partridge." • Class and Type: She was part of the 125-foot Active-class patrol boats, often called "Buck & a Quarter" cutters, built in the 1920s and 1930s for the U.S. Coast Guard. • Prohibition Service: Kaw was commissioned in 1927 and served during the Prohibition era, primarily interdicting rum-runners and enforcing liquor laws along the U.S. coast. • World War II Service: During WWII, CGC Kaw was assigned to coastal patrol and convoy escort duties, protecting American shores from enemy submarines and threats. • Homeports: Over her career, Kaw was stationed at several key locations, including Norfolk, Virginia, and later New York and Boston, reflecting strategic shifts in Coast Guard operations. • Rescue Operations: The cutter participated in numerous search and rescue missions, saving the lives of mariners in peril off the Atlantic coast. • Decommissioning: CGC Kaw was decommissioned in 1958 after more than 30 years of service, marking the end of an era for the Active-class cutters. • Technical Details: She was powered by two Winton diesel engines, giving her a top speed of about 13 knots and a range ideal for long offshore patrols. • Legacy: The Active-class cutters, including Kaw, helped shape the modern U.S. Coast Guard, blending law enforcement, humanitarian, and military missions. • Historical Records: CGC Kaw’s logs and operational records are preserved in the National Archives, providing historians valuable insight into U.S. maritime operations in the early-to-mid 20th century.