USCGC Yakutat (WHEC-380)

• Construction and Launch: USCGC Yakutat (WHEC-380) was a Casco-class cutter built for the United States Coast Guard during World War II. She was launched on 2 January 1944 at the Western Pipe & Steel Company in San Pedro, California. • Namesake: The ship was named after Yakutat Bay in Alaska, in keeping with the tradition of naming Casco-class cutters after Alaskan bays and sounds. • World War II Service: Commissioned on 31 July 1944, Yakutat served in the Pacific theater, escorting convoys and performing anti-submarine patrols during the conflict. • Weather Ship Role: After World War II, Yakutat was converted into a weather ship, providing vital meteorological data and plane guard services in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. • Korean War Service: Yakutat was recommissioned for service during the Korean War, conducting search and rescue missions, patrolling, and supporting United Nations naval operations off the Korean Peninsula. • Rescue Operations: The cutter participated in several high-profile rescues, including saving survivors from downed aircraft and distressed vessels during her long career. • Vietnam War Duty: From 1967 to 1969, Yakutat served with Coast Guard Squadron Three in Operation Market Time, patrolling the South Vietnamese coast to interdict enemy supply shipments. • Notable Engagements: While in Vietnam, Yakutat assisted in the capture of enemy supply junks and provided naval gunfire support to allied ground forces. • Long Service Record: Over her 27 years of service, Yakutat earned numerous awards, including battle stars for both the Korean War and Vietnam War. • Final Fate: Decommissioned on 1 September 1969, Yakutat was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy, where she served as RVNS Trần Nhật Duật (HQ-03) until the fall of South Vietnam in 1975.