USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167)

• Oldest Commissioned Cutter: The USCGC Acushnet was commissioned in 1944, making it the oldest commissioned cutter in the U.S. Coast Guard fleet at the time of her decommissioning in 2011. • World War II Service: Originally built as the USS Shackle (ARS-9), she served as a rescue and salvage ship in the Pacific during World War II, earning three battle stars. • Name Change: The vessel was transferred to the Coast Guard in 1946 and was renamed Acushnet, after the river in Massachusetts. • Multiple Homeports: Throughout her career, Acushnet was homeported in Portland, Maine; New Bedford, Massachusetts; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Ketchikan, Alaska. • Versatile Missions: Acushnet undertook a wide variety of missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and fisheries patrol. • Alaska Patrol Legend: During her later years, Acushnet became famous for her operations in the challenging waters of Alaska, earning the nickname “The Queen of the Fleet.” • High Seas Rescues: Acushnet participated in many dramatic rescues, including the 1983 rescue of crew members from the sinking fishing vessel Alaska Ranger in the Bering Sea. • Engineering Marvel: Despite her age, Acushnet remained fully operational and underwent several upgrades to keep up with modern technology and Coast Guard requirements. • Decommissioning: The cutter was officially decommissioned on March 11, 2011, after nearly 67 years of continuous service. • Museum Ship and Legacy: After decommissioning, there were efforts to preserve Acushnet as a museum ship due to her historical significance and long service record.