The first United States Coast Guard Cutter ESCANABA was built by the Defoe Boat and Motor Works of Bay City, Michigan, in 1932. The 165-foot Algonguin class cutter was named for the city and river, ESCANABA, derived from a Native American word meaning “flat rock.” She served on the Great Lakes and was stationed in Grand Haven, Michigan, until the start of WWII.

During the war, ESCANABA was assigned to convoy duty in the Atlantic. She escorted numerous convoys and participated in various search and rescue missions.  In February 1943, the ESCANABA distinguished herself by rescuing 132 men from a torpedoed transport in the North Atlantic.  For their outstanding heroism accomplishing this rescue mission, six officers and men of the ESCANABA were awarded posthumous decorations and commendations by Admiral Royal E. Ingersol, then Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet.

Four months later, the gallant ESCANABA set out on what was destined to be her final mission.  On June 10, 1943, an Allied convoy sailed from Narsarssuak, Greenland bound for St. John’s, Newfoundland, with an escort consisting of the USCGC MOHAVE (flag), USCGC TAMPA, USCGC STORIS, USCGC RARITAN and USCGC ESCANABA.  The convoy proceeded to the Northwest, encountering dense fog, icebergs and dangerous navigating conditions.  The convoy had been alerted for the presence of an enemy submarine in the area.

At 0510 on the morning of June 13, 1943, there was a sudden flash of light on the horizon and dense yellow and black smoke was seen rising from the perimeter of the convoy.  The cutters STORIS and RARITAN were ordered to investigate.  Racing to the position where the ESCANABA was last stationed, they discovered that the cutter was gone; she had been struck by an enemy torpedo and sank instantly.  Within ten minutes of sighting the smoke, all that remained was debris and two survivors: Seaman First Class Raymond O’Malley and Boatswains Mate Second Class Melvin Baldwin.  One hundred and one men were lost, including the Captain, Lieutenant Commander Carl Uno Peterson.

All that remains today of this proud ship are her rigged mast, her lifeboat, and a few other items, which are part of a memorial park in the City of Grand Haven.  No monument will ever mark the place in the Atlantic where ESCANABA and her brave crew sank, but for the Nation she served so well she will always remain an honored memory. Her namesake carries on the traditions so firmly embedded in the history of the Coast Guard.

“THE SPIRIT LIVES ON”

The newest ESCANABA recalls the heroic actions of the first ESCANABA with the ship’s motto “The Spirit Lives On.”   A special tradition has evolved around that motto.  Every year on the anniversary of the sinking, the entire ship’s crew assembles on the weather decks for a memorial ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of the first ESCANABA’s crew.  On that day, the ESCANABA Captain calls Mr. Raymond O’Malley, the remaining survivor of the sinking.  This call is made by phone or by radio on June 13^th whether ESCANABA is at sea or in port, so that the Captain can report to Mr. O’Malley on the health of the crew, the state of the ship, and our commitment that “The Spirit Lives On.”

More Photos:

HH60J
HH65A

WHEC64
WMEC907
WPG77