Cutter Redwood New London Connecticut

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About Cutter Redwood New London Connecticut

USCGC Redwood (WLM-685) was a 189-foot buoy tender commissioned in 1943 and homeported in New London, Connecticut for much of her service. Built for the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, Redwood was tasked with maintaining aids to navigation, conducting search and rescue, and supporting wartime operations along the U.S. East Coast. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, the vessel continued to serve the busy waters of Long Island Sound, ensuring maritime safety and security. After decades of distinguished service, Redwood was decommissioned in 2001, marking the end of her vital role in supporting both military and civilian maritime operations from New London.

Unit Members

Frank Grantham

U.S. Coast Guard

Cutter Redwood New London ConnecticutView Profile

John Heinz

U.S. Coast Guard

Cutter Redwood New London ConnecticutView 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 Cutter Redwood New London Connecticut

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Historic Beginnings: The USRC Redwood was a revenue cutter built for the United States Revenue Cutter Service, predecessor to the modern US Coast Guard, and was stationed in New London, Connecticut. • Launch Date: The Redwood was launched in 1892, part of a class of cutters designed for patrol, law enforcement, and lifesaving missions along the US coast. • Named for the Tree: The cutter was named "Redwood" after the famous tree found along the Pacific Coast, reflecting a tradition of naming vessels after American trees. • Base of Operations: New London, Connecticut, has long been a strategic location for Coast Guard and Revenue Cutter Service operations, providing access to the busy Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. • Anti-Smuggling Efforts: During its service, Redwood played a role in enforcing customs laws and combating smuggling operations, which were rampant along the northeastern US coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. • Life-Saving Missions: The cutter was often called upon for search and rescue operations, saving mariners in distress in the challenging waters around Connecticut. • Prohibition Enforcement: During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), Redwood was involved in intercepting rumrunners and enforcing liquor laws at sea. • Technological Upgrades: Over its career, the Redwood received several upgrades to its navigation and communications equipment, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime law enforcement. • Legacy in Training: New London later became home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, and vessels like the Redwood set the standard for future Coast Guard training and operations. • Decommissioned and Remembered: After years of service, the Redwood was decommissioned, but its legacy lives on in Coast Guard history and the maritime heritage of New London, Connecticut.