FEATURE: Coast Guard’s “Queen of the Fleet” turns 80

Source: United States Coast Guard

11/07/2024 05:34 PM EST

The USCGC Smilax (WLIC 315) celebrated its 80th anniversary on Nov. 7, 2024, during a ceremony attended by current and former crewmembers in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Commissioned Nov. 1, 1944 during World War II, Smilax is the oldest active Coast Guard cutter. It has been recognized as the “Queen of the Fleet” since 2011 when the USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167) was decommissioned after 67 years of service. This title is symbolized by its gold hull number.

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