The Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island (WPB 1349), one of the last 110-foot patrol boats, decommissioned after nearly 26 years of service as part of ongoing recapitalization efforts during a ceremony at Coast Guard Base Honolulu on March 16.
Its years of service included numerous law enforcement cases, safety and security enforcement patrols, presidential security operations, and a variety of noteworthy rescues at sea.
“The ship has been integral to the Coast Guard’s numerous missions and District Fourteen initiatives since its commissioning,” said Lt. Steele Johnson, commanding officer of Galveston Island. “The island class patrol boats have been the workhorses of the Coast Guard for nearly 30 years, and this ship has been no exception. Serving with this fine crew on such an accomplished ship and platform has been the highlight of my career, and I’m extremely proud and blessed to have done so. The crew’s accomplishments and dedication to excellence honor those crews that have come before us, and set the standard for crews of any ship to come. The Galveston Island may leave our service today, but its legacy lives on.”
The Galveston Island entered commission-special status in a ceremony held at Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana, Feb. 24, 1992. On its maiden voyage, the crew stopped in Galveston, Texas, where the governor of Texas presented them with their own set of Texas longhorns for the ship. The mayor of the city also declared March 28 and 29 “USCGC Galveston Island Day” in the city.
Galveston Island was commissioned in Honolulu, June 8,1992, by Rear Adm. William C. Donnel, then commander, Coast Guard 14th District. His wife, Mrs. Patricia Donnell was the ship’s sponsor.
Johnson took command of Galveston Island knowing it would be the final chapter for the ship in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Read more at the USCG blog Compass
