The Former USCGC Morgenthau, now in Vvietnamese service
The Philippines has a continuing interest in the 378 foot WHECs, after all they already have three, and it appears they may want another. Certainly they and other operators (Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Vietnam) will want to cooperate in finding ways to keep them operational.
An online discussion group called “Defense of the Republic of the Philippines” has a page entitled “Where in the World are the WHECs?” devoted to the topic. It includes both the old and new names and hull numbers. It also looks at the future disposition of 378s still in US Coast Guard service (Sherman, Midgett, Mellon, and Douglas Munro). (Yes we currently have both a USCGC Douglas Munro (WHEC-724) and a USCGC Munro (WMSL-755).
Sherman is expected to be decommissioned in 2018, Midgett in 2019, Mellon in 2020. Douglas Munro’s decommissioning is not currently scheduled but will probably happen in 2021.
The decommissioning information is based on Annex J of a MARAD report, “OFFICE OF SHIP DISPOSAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016.”
378’s rock lived on the Hamilton 75-78 as RD2 great ship and crew…
I would not be surprise if the Philippines, Georgia or Ukraine get a 378
I suspect we will not be transferring just one to any of these countries. Vietnam will probably get a second ship. That would leave three others for transfer. Georgia or Ukraine might be strong possibilities, but probably one or the other, but not both. Duarte in the Philippines has said he does not want any more second hand equipment so maybe not them. Either Nigeria or Bangladesh will likely get a third ship.
If I was making bets, Philippines would be low on my list but I think Vietnam, Georgia and Ukraine would be high on the List.
Sherman’s last patrol. Other than “Old Ironsides,” the last remaining US warship to have sunk an enemy vessel (a trawler smuggling weapons into S. Vietnam). https://navaltoday.com/2018/01/24/us-coast-guard-cutter-sherman-returns-from-final-deployment/
Sherman to be decommissioned March 29. Press release below.
HONOLULU — Media are invited to observe the decommissioning of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sherman (WHEC 720), the Coast Guard’s ninth High Endurance Cutter, Thursday.
Sherman’s operational resume includes action in the Vietnam War, major drug interdictions – including the largest individual cocaine seizure in U.S. history, maritime law enforcement cases, living marine resource protection, alien migration interdiction and numerous rescues.
Sherman was launched Sept. 3, 1968, and was the sixth of 12 Hamilton-class High Endurance Cutters built by Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. High Endurance Cutters are the largest cutters, aside from the three major Icebreakers and National Security Cutters, ever built for the Coast Guard.
Sherman is also one of only two Coast Guard Cutters to hold the Vietnam Service Award and only Coast Guard Cutter to hold the Combat Action Ribbon for action in the Vietnam War. Sherman is the last remaining active U.S. warship in the Coast Guard or Navy to have sunk an enemy vessel in combat.
WHO: Vice Adm. Fred Midgette, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, will preside over the ceremony.
WHAT: Decommissioning ceremony for Coast Guard’s ninth High Endurance Cutter.
WHEN: Thursday, March 29, at 2 p.m. Media should arrive at Coast Guard Base Honolulu no later than 1:15 p.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Base Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Media will be met at the front gate and escorted.
Please RSVP to Coast Guard 14th District External Affairs at 808-341-9849 or 808-535-3230 by 3 p.m., Wednesday.
According to this story. Sherman will be going to Sri Lanka, Ceylon.. They already have a former USCG 210. http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Original-crew-member-of-storied-Coast-Guard-Cutter-Sherman-resides-in-Upper-Peninsula-479339343.html