USCG MOHAWK (WPG-78)
Class: “A” Class Cutter
Length: 165 feet
Address:
The 165-foot "A" class cutters were based on the 1915 Tallapoosa/Ossipee design. The USCG Mohawk was designed for light ice-breaking as well, and was constructed with a reinforced belt at the waterline and a cutaway forefoot. She could break up to two feet of ice. She was constructed utilizing Public Works Administration construction allotments, a program established to aid the country after the onset of the Great Depression. First assigned patrol and general icebreaking duties on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, the outbreak of war found her stationed at Cape May, N.J. In accordance with Executive Order No. 8929 of 1 November 1941, Mohawk was directed to serve as part of the naval forces. Assigned North Atlantic escort operations, she launched a total of 14 attacks against submarine contacts between 27 August 1942 and 8 April 1945. Highlights of her at-sea rescue operations included the 27 August 1942 rescue of 293 survivors from USAT Chatham and the 22 November 1942 rescue of 24 men from SS Barberry. Mohawk assumed ice patrol duties 25 May to 14 August 1945, and was directed to return to Treasury Department jurisdiction 1 January 1946. She was declared "surplus to the needs of CG" on 13 July 1948 and was put up for sale. She was sold on 1 November 1948 to the Delaware Bay and River Pilots' Association. She went through various owners over the years and was finally purchased and restored by the Miami Dade Historical Maritime Museum.
 "USCG MOHAWK. 2895-42 NYBOS."; 4 July 1942; Photo No. 2895-42 Return to the HNSA Home Page.
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