About this Unit
USCGC YAKUTAT (WAVP-380), later redesignated as WHEC-380, was a Casco-class cutter commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1949. Named after Yakutat Bay in Alaska, she served primarily on ocean station duty in the Atlantic, providing weather data, search and rescue, and law enforcement services during the Cold War era. YAKUTAT also participated in notable operations, including supporting the Mercury space missions and responding to maritime emergencies. The cutter was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Republic of Vietnam, where she served as RVNS Trần Nhật Duật (HQ-03).
Historical Facts
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Commissioned in World War II: USCGC YAKATAT (WAVP-380) was commissioned in 1945 as a Barnegat-class seaplane tender for the United States Navy and then transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Named After Alaskan Bay: The ship was named after Yakutat Bay in Alaska, in keeping with the Coast Guard tradition of naming cutters after North American bays and inlets.
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Weather Patrol Service: YAKATAT served as an ocean station vessel, patrolling designated areas in the Atlantic Ocean to collect vital meteorological data and assist in air-sea rescue operations during the Cold War.
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Rescue Operations: The cutter was involved in several rescue and assistance operations, aiding distressed vessels and downed aircraft in the treacherous North Atlantic.
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Oceanographic Research: Besides her meteorological role, YAKATAT also conducted oceanographic research, helping to improve the understanding of marine conditions for both military and civilian navigation.
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Conversion to High Endurance Cutter: In 1966, YAKATAT was reclassified as a High Endurance Cutter (WHEC-380), reflecting her new mission focus on law enforcement, search and rescue, and military readiness.
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Vietnam War Service: In 1971, YAKATAT was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy and renamed RVNS Trần Nhật Duật (HQ-03), where she continued to serve during the Vietnam War.
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Escape After Fall of Saigon: After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the ship was among those that escaped to the Philippines, carrying Vietnamese refugees and sailors seeking asylum.
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Decommissioning: After her service in Vietnam and subsequent use by the Philippine Navy, YAKATAT was eventually decommissioned and struck from service, ending a distinguished multi-national career.
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Decorated Service: YAKATAT earned several commendations, including campaign ribbons and unit citations, reflecting her diverse and heroic service history across three different navies.
