USCGC Point Martin (WPB-82379)

• Commissioned in 1970: USCGC Point Martin (WPB-82379) was commissioned into the United States Coast Guard in 1970 as part of the Point-class cutter series. • Named for Point Martin, Alaska: The vessel was named after Point Martin, a geographic landmark in Alaska, following the Coast Guard tradition of naming 82-foot patrol boats after U.S. geographical 'points.' • Homeported in Fort Pierce, Florida: Throughout much of her service, Point Martin was based in Fort Pierce, Florida, conducting law enforcement and search and rescue missions in the area. • Drug Interdiction Operations: During the 1970s and 1980s, Point Martin was actively involved in counter-narcotics operations, intercepting vessels carrying illegal drugs into the United States. • Vietnam War Service (Class-wide): While Point Martin herself was not deployed to Vietnam, several Point-class cutters were sent for combat service, showcasing the class’s versatility and ruggedness. • Rescue Missions: Point Martin participated in numerous search and rescue operations, saving countless lives of mariners in distress off the Florida coast and in the Caribbean. • Environmental Protection: The cutter took part in oil spill response and environmental protection missions, reflecting the Coast Guard’s growing focus on maritime stewardship during her years of service. • Decommissioned in 1998: After nearly three decades of service, USCGC Point Martin was decommissioned in 1998 as the Coast Guard modernized its fleet with newer vessels. • Transferred to the Republic of Georgia: Following decommissioning, Point Martin was transferred to the Republic of Georgia, where she continued to serve as part of their Coast Guard fleet. • Legacy of the Point-class: Point Martin is remembered as part of the highly successful Point-class, which saw extensive use in both peacetime and combat roles, setting operational standards for later patrol boats.