The USCGC McLane, docked at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon, Michigan. Photo from JJonahJackalope via Wikipedia.

Just learned there is Coast Guard museum ship I had not been aware of, USCGC McLane (WSC-146) now 97 years old, one of a class of 125 foot long cutters referred to as “Buck and a Quarters.”

She is moored with the former USS Silversides at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon, Michigan. That they are in fresh water is a real benefit compared to salt water.

Somewhere there may be a lightship that has been preserved that is older, but I believe this is the oldest US Coast Guard patrol cutter on display.

The museum repeats the claim that McLane sank a Japanese submarine off the Alaska coast near Dixon Entrance, but later research has been unable to verify this. There is little doubt that she and other units did in fact engage a submarine, but if a submarine was sunk, it has not been identified. (Maybe someone will look for the wreck.) Japan destroyed many of its records at the end of WWII. The engagement and efforts to identify the sub are recounted here.

McLane was one of 33 Active class cutters. All 33 were commissioned in 1927.

These little ships, at about 220 tons full load, were smaller than the new Webber class (WPC) Fast Response Cutters (353 tons). The crew size changed over the life of the ships ranging from as high as 46 at the end of WWII to as few as 20 at the beginning and end of their service life.

A number of different engines were used to power the class, providing 500 to 1600 HP total, driving twin props, giving the little ships a max speed of 10.2 to 13 knots. Range was up to 4000 miles at seven knots or about 2,500 miles at 12 knots.

In the mid-60s the 125s still in commission were redesignated Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC).

Two of the class USCGC Jackson (WSC-142) and Bedloe (WSC-128) capsized going to the aid of a torpedoed freighter in the Great Atlantic Hurricane of September 1944 which also sank a lightship.

USCGC Cuyahoga (WIX-157) after being raised. USCG photo.

Many of the class remained in commission until the late 60s. The last of the class in Coast Guard service, USCGC Cuyahoga, was sunk in a collision the night of October 20, 1978.

Last I heard, the former USCGC Morris had been acquired by a museum and sailed to Galveston in 2021. It might make a great addition to the planned Coast Guard Museum in New London.