USCGC UNIMAK 379

• Commissioned in World War II: USCGC UNIMAK (WHEC-379) was launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1944 as part of the Barnegat-class seaplane tenders, later serving as a high endurance cutter. • Named for an Alaskan Island: The ship was named after Unimak Island, the largest island in the Aleutian Islands chain of Alaska. • Multiple Roles: UNIMAK served the U.S. Navy during World War II and was later transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, performing duties including search and rescue, law enforcement, and ocean station patrol. • Ocean Station Patrols: The cutter was stationed at various Atlantic locations as an ocean weather ship, providing vital data and serving as a navigational aid for transatlantic flights. • Rescue Missions: UNIMAK was involved in several dramatic rescues, including the saving of crews from sinking ships and downed aircraft in hazardous conditions. • Cuban Refugee Operations: In the 1980s, the ship participated in operations interdicting illegal immigration and rescuing Cuban refugees during the Mariel boatlift and other events. • Vietnam War Service: UNIMAK deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Market Time, patrolling for enemy supply vessels and supporting combat operations. • Drug Interdiction: During the later years of her service, UNIMAK played a role in counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean and off the U.S. coast. • Long Service Life: The cutter had a remarkably long operational life, serving for over 45 years before being decommissioned in 1988. • Decorations and Legacy: UNIMAK earned numerous awards, including campaign medals for both World War II and Vietnam, and is remembered as one of the most versatile and storied cutters in Coast Guard history.