Historic 1927 USCG Cutter McLane Sold for Scrap | Museum News

Post by : Shivani

photo:marineinsight.com

A Tough Goodbye to a Long-Serving Ship

The USS Silversides Submarine Museum, located in Muskegon, Michigan, has made a difficult but necessary choice. After being part of the museum exhibits for over 30 years, the historic 1927 U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane is being towed away and sold for scrap. This ship, which has a rich history of service and bravery, has suffered so much damage over time that it can no longer be saved.

About the McLane: A Strong Patrol Cutter

What Is a Patrol Cutter?

The McLane is a patrol cutter, a special kind of ship used by the Coast Guard to watch over coastal waters, stop illegal activities, and protect the nation’s shores. It is 125 feet long (about 38 meters) and belongs to the Active-class cutters, ships known for their strength and reliability.

The Ship’s Name and History

The ship was named after Louis McLane, an important American who served as the U.S. Secretary of State in 1833. The McLane served proudly for many decades, including during World War II, when it patrolled the cold and dangerous waters near Alaska and the Bering Strait.

The McLane’s Long and Brave Service

Early Years on Patrol

After it was built in 1927, the McLane spent years patrolling U.S. coastal waters. Its job was to stop smugglers, protect shipping lanes, and help people in need.

World War II Efforts

During World War II, the McLane was very busy. It escorted convoys carrying soldiers and supplies, hunted enemy submarines, and rescued people from danger. One memorable event happened in July 1942, when the McLane helped sink a Japanese submarine. In 1943, it saved the crew of a downed airplane, showing its brave and lifesaving work.

Many Years After the War

Even after the war ended, the McLane kept working. It continued patrolling and assisting vessels in trouble until it was finally retired (decommissioned) in 1968.

The Ship Becomes a Museum Exhibit

Training and Public Display

After retirement, the McLane was used for training Sea Scouts on Lake Michigan. In 1993, the ship found a new home at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon Harbor. The museum opened the ship to the public, allowing visitors to explore and learn about its history and the Coast Guard’s important work.

A Symbol of Strength and Service

For over 30 years, the McLane was a proud symbol of strength. It welcomed students, families, veterans, and other visitors, sharing stories of its long service and the people who sailed on it.

Why Must the McLane Now Be Sold for Scrap?

The Challenge of Aging and Damage

Sadly, after nearly 100 years in the water, the McLane has suffered serious wear and damage. Though the museum tried many options to preserve the ship, repairing such an old and large vessel is expensive and difficult.

Safety Comes First

Because of its weakened condition, the museum closed the McLane to visitors earlier this year for safety reasons. With winter approaching and the ship’s structure getting weaker, keeping it was no longer safe. After careful thought, the museum decided that scrapping the ship is the safest and most responsible choice.

What Happens to the McLane Now?

Plans for Towing and Dismantling

The McLane will be towed away from Muskegon Harbor by King Towing. Afterwards, a company called Pitsch Companies will carefully dismantle and recycle the ship’s materials.

Preserving History and Artifacts

Before the ship leaves, all important artifacts and educational materials onboard have been removed and saved. These will remain part of the museum’s collections, so visitors can continue to learn about the ship’s history.

Honoring the McLane and Looking to the Future

Gratitude and Memories

Veronica Campbell, the Executive Director of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, expressed deep thanks to everyone who helped care for the McLane over the years. She said the cutter represented strength and service for decades and thanked community partners for helping the museum say a respectful goodbye.

The Museum’s New Focus: USS Silversides Submarine

With the McLane gone, the museum will turn its focus to its main exhibit—the famous USS Silversides Submarine. This World War II submarine completed 14 war patrols in the Pacific after its commissioning in 1941, soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was decommissioned in 1946 and became a museum ship in 1979. The museum is now working to raise funds to restore and care for the Silversides so it can keep educating the public on naval history.

The story of the McLane shows how important it is to preserve history but also how hard it can be to maintain old ships. The McLane served the United States honorably for nearly 100 years. Though it must now be scrapped, its legacy will live on in the memories of all who learned about its heroic service.

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