As you pass by, let me tell you the fascinating story of the USCGC Winona, a ship that navigated through pivotal moments in history. Named after Winona Lake, Indiana, this Owasco class high endurance cutter was initially built for World War II service. However, by the time she was ready, the war had already ended, marking the beginning of a service life that was both unique and impactful.
Commissioned on April 19, 1946, at the Western Pipe & Steel Shipyard in San Pedro, California, Winona’s early years were dedicated to law enforcement, ocean station duties, and search and rescue missions. From the bustling ports of San Pedro to the rugged shores of Port Angeles, Washington, she played a vital role in ensuring maritime safety.
One of Winona’s first notable missions was in November 1948, when she successfully towed the disabled MV Herald of Morning. Her reputation for reliability continued as she assisted various vessels in distress over the years, including the FV Alice B and the MV Edgecombe. Each mission, a testament to her crew’s bravery and skill.
Interestingly, Winona’s service took a dramatic turn in 1968 when she was assigned to Coast Guard Squadron Three in South Vietnam. Here, she actively participated in Operation Market Time, an initiative to prevent the transportation of supplies to the Viet Cong by sea. On March 1, 1968, Winona made headlines by sinking a North Vietnamese trawler. Aboard her was Damage Controlman First Class Thomas Lisk, who recounted the tense moments as a round pierced the hull, yet, miraculously, no one was harmed.
Beyond the battlefield, Winona’s legacy includes numerous rescue operations, such as assisting the MV Belmona after a fire near Cape Flattery and providing medical aid to Urea Maru off the coast of San Francisco. Her service concluded on May 31, 1974, when she was decommissioned and later scrapped in 1976.
Each mission and each wave she cut through tells the story of a steadfast guardian of the seas, a ship that, though no longer afloat, remains an enduring symbol of dedication and courage.
