USCGC Cutter Point Franklin (WPB 82350)

• Commissioning and Class: USCGC Point Franklin (WPB-82350) was commissioned in 1967 as part of the Point class cutter series, designed for law enforcement and search & rescue missions. • Namesake: The vessel was named after Point Franklin, Alaska, following the Coast Guard tradition of naming 82-foot patrol boats after geographical points in the United States. • Primary Missions: During her service, Point Franklin performed a variety of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrols along the U.S. coasts. • Vietnam War Service: Point Franklin was among the Point-class cutters deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Market Time, combating coastal infiltration and supporting coastal surveillance forces. • Operation Market Time: In Vietnam, the cutter participated in interdiction patrols to prevent the movement of supplies and personnel by sea to Viet Cong forces. • Design Innovation: The Point class featured innovative design elements such as a transom exhaust (for better visibility from the bridge) and a hull optimized for stability and shallow coastal operations. • Crew Complement: The cutter typically operated with a small crew of 8, reflecting the class’s focus on efficiency and multi-role capability. • Decommissioning: USCGC Point Franklin was decommissioned and transferred out of Coast Guard service in the late 1990s as newer vessels replaced the aging Point class. • Post-Service Fate: After decommissioning, many Point-class cutters were transferred to foreign navies or law enforcement agencies; Point Franklin was transferred to the Republic of Georgia in 2000. • Legacy: The Point Franklin and her sister ships were renowned for their reliability and flexibility, serving as the backbone of the Coast Guard’s coastal patrol fleet for over three decades.