Coast Guard to decommission local great lakes cutter World War II vessel will be replaced by modern ship
US Coast Guard 9th District
Release Date: 5/21/2003
by Staff Sgt. A.J. Bosker Air Force Print News
PORT HURON, Michigan -- The Coast Guard will decommission one of its 180-foot cutters on Thursday, May 22, in a ceremony at the Port Huron Marine Terminal at 11:00 AM.
The Coast Guard Cutter Bramble was commissioned in 1944 at a cost of just over $925,000. It's primary responsibility is aids to navigation.
Following World War II, from July to October 1947, the Bramble participated in "Operation Crossroads," the first test of an atomic bomb's effect on surface ships, at Bikini Island.
In 1962, the Bramble transferred to Detroit to perform the missions of search and rescue, icebreaking, and law enforcement throughout the Great Lakes, in addition to aids to navigation. After undergoing major renovations in 1975, the Bramble reported to Port Huron, her present homeport.
The cutter's areas of responsibility include eastern Lake Erie, southern Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay, while maintaining 187 bouys, one NOAA weather buoy, and three fog signals. During winter months, its capabilities as an icebreaker enable her to escort ships through ice and assist ships in distress.
A new 225-foot cutter will replace Bramble. The Hollyhock will be involved with search and rescue, law enforcement and ice breaking, as well as buoy tending and helping with environmental cleanups.
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