USCGC Fir: The Legacy of the Last US Lighthouse Service Tender
The USCGC Fir (WAGL-212) holds a unique place in American maritime history. As the final tender constructed for the United States Lighthouse Service, her career spanned over five decades of service, transitioning from the Lighthouse Service to the U.S. Coast Guard. From maintaining critical navigational aids to performing daring rescues, the Fir was a cornerstone of safety in the Pacific Northwest.
Key Facts
- Last of its Kind: The final tender built for the United States Lighthouse Service.
- Commission Date: Officially commissioned as a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter on October 1, 1940.
- Historic Status: Designated as a US National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 27, 1992.
- Operational Scope: Managed 138 lighted and unlighted buoys in the Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Final Fate: Dismantled for scrap in Alang, India, in 2026.
Early History and Commissioning
The Fir's journey began with a transition of authority. While launched under the United States Lighthouse Service, her completion took place under the U.S. Coast Guard. Her sea trials were conducted on San Francisco Bay on August 17, 1939, overseen by a Trial Board including Chief Lighthouse Engineer R. R. Tinkham, Superintendent W. C. Dibrell, and Assistant Lighthouse Engineer F. H. Conant.
Following her trials, the vessel departed for Portland, Oregon, on August 18, 1939, and later moved to Lake Union in Seattle, Washington. She was formally commissioned as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Fir (WAGL-212) on October 1, 1940.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A Career of Rescue and Salvage
Throughout her active service, the Fir was frequently called upon for emergency operations. In November 1949, she rescued 19 people from the MV Andalucia near Neah Bay, Washington, and later assisted the SS Beloit Victory near Destruction Island in 1954.
The USNS Yuma Incident
In June 1958, the Fir played a critical role when the tugboat USNS Yuma, which was towing the USS Tinian, suffered engine failure near the Swiftsure Bank lightship. The Fir responded to the distress call and successfully escorted both the Yuma and the Tinian to San Diego, California, arriving on June 9, 1958.
Notable Salvage Operations
The Fir was often utilized for her lifting capabilities. On August 11, 1958, she recovered two boats—including a USCG 40-foot patrol boat (CG-40575)—following a collision involving Bill Muncey's hydroplane, Miss Thriftway, during the Seattle Seafair races. Other notable operations included:
- 1959: A major search for a downed U.S. Navy aircraft.
- 1962: The salvage of a submerged U.S. Coast Guard HO4S helicopter.
- 1968: Firefighting support at Todd Shipyards in Seattle.
- 1990: Rescuing an entrapped mariner and extinguishing a fire at Shilshole Bay.
Decommissioning and Historic Preservation
By the time of her retirement, the Fir was responsible for the maintenance of 138 buoys across the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. She was decommissioned on October 1, 1991, exactly one year after her 50th anniversary. The ceremony was attended by over 600 people, marking the end of the last surviving lighthouse tender in the U.S. Coast Guard service.
Following her service, efforts were made to convert the vessel into a floating museum in Seattle. When these plans failed, she was transferred to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) facility in Suisun Bay, California, in 1997. Because her rudder and shafts were locked, she required a 930-mile tow by the USCGC Mariposa to reach San Francisco before being moved to Suisun Bay.
| Year | Event/Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Seattle, WA | Decommissioned |
| 1992 | National Register | Designated National Historic Landmark |
| 1997 | Suisun Bay, CA | Transferred to MARAD |
| 2002 | Sacramento, CA | Transferred to Liberty Maritime Museum |
| 2017 | Virginia/CA | Purchased by The Lighthouse Project LLC |
| 2026 | Alang, India | Dismantled for scrap |
Final Years and Dismantling
The Fir changed ownership several times in her later years. After being moored in Rio Vista and later Pier 38 in San Francisco, she was owned by Curt Lind and underwent restoration by Thomas Young in 2012. In 2017, she was purchased by The Lighthouse Project LLC, a group dedicated to restoring aids to navigation.
Despite these restoration efforts, the vessel was eventually sold for scrap in 2026 following the death of her owner. She was transported to Alang, India, where her demolition was completed that same year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary role of the USCGC Fir?
The Fir served as a lighthouse tender, meaning she was responsible for the maintenance and placement of navigational aids, specifically managing 138 lighted and unlighted buoys in the Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Why was the USCGC Fir historically significant?
She was the last United States Lighthouse Service tender ever constructed and the last surviving lighthouse tender in the U.S. Coast Guard service, leading to her designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Did the Fir participate in any major rescues?
Yes, she rescued 19 people from the MV Andalucia in 1949 and escorted the USNS Yuma and USS Tinian to safety in 1958 after the Yuma suffered engine failure.
Where was the Fir located before her final dismantling?
Her final years were spent in California, including stays at the Port of Sacramento, Pier 38 in San Francisco, and the Little Potato Slough near Stockton.
When and where was the vessel finally scrapped?
The Fir was sold for scrap in 2026 and sent to Alang, India, where she was completely dismantled.