History

History of the APALACHEE

Apalachee 1985

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter APALACHEE was built in 1943 by Ira S. Bushey & Sons, Brooklyn , NY. Her single propeller is powered by a 1,000 horsepower electric motor, driven by 2 Elliot Electric Company generators, driven by 2 Ingersoll Rand 8-cylinder diesels.

This third class of 110-foot tugs was contracted for on 8 June 1941. Their design was based on the earlier 110-foot Calumet and Raritan class designs which entered commissioned service beginning in 1934. The newer design simply incorporated changes needed for operations in Greenland waters as well as better fire-fighting capabilities.

APALACHEE was commissioned on 26 November 1943. She was the first of her class to enter service. She was assigned to Baltimore, MD where she served through 1984. Throughout her career, her main missions were law enforcement, search and rescue, fire fighting, and icebreaking when needed.

From 11 to 12 June 1965, she assisted in fighting the fire aboard the Columbian motor vessel Ciudad de Nieva near Baltimore. On 13 February 1968 , she assisted in fighting a fire on Pier 5 in Baltimore. On 4 June 1969 , she assisted in fighting the fire aboard the motor vessel Provence Town, again, near Baltimore. She transferred to Portland , ME on 17 September 1984 where she served until she was decommissioned on 11 April 1986.

The APALACHEE is scheduled to arrive at Cleveland ’s Whiskey Island , Wendy Park complex in early June 2009, under her own power, delivered by a “vintage” crew of former USCG 110-ft tug sailors.