Why save the Acushnet?

First launched as the USS Shackle (ARS9) on April 1, 1943, and commissioned of Feb 5 1944, she had a fascinating role in WWII.  Acushnet's history as USS Shackle includes salvage efforts at Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, Eniwetok, Guam, Saipan, and Japan.  The salvage ship also played active roles in the battles over Iwo Jima and Okinawa.  It earned three battle stars during WWII

She then was transferred to the US Coast Guard and renamed the USCGC Acushnet where she performed in historical rescues, law enforcement, scientific exploration and more. 


Unlike any other ship in the Coast Guard, Acushnet has served in the Navy and Coast Guard as a Fleet Rescue and Salvage Vessel (ARS), an Auxiliary Tug (WAT), an oceanographic vessel (WAGO), and a medium endurance cutter (WMEC).  She became the oldest medium endurance cutter in service at the retirement of the Storis and named "Queen of the Fleet" in 2007 and remained active until retirement in 2011!


The USCGC Acushnet (ret) is a large cutter that has unique features that can be utilized to continue providing support to Veterans and communities.  

USS Shackle 1944

The Acushnet was first commissioned as the  USS Shackle (ARS-9) by the US Navy for service in World War II. She was a Diver-class rescue and salvages ship that was responsible for coming to the aid of stricken vessels. 

Shackle (ARS-9) was laid down on 26 October 1942 by the Basalt Rock Company in Napa, California
 Launched on 1 April 1943
Commissioned on 5 February 1944.

  • Type Diver-class rescue and salvage ship
  • Tonnage 1,441 long tons (1,464 t)
  •  Displacement 1,630 long tons (1,656 t)
  •  Length 213 ft 6 in (65.07 m)
  •  Beam 39 ft (12 m) Draft 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m)
  •   Propulsion Diesel-electric, 2,780 hp (2,073 kW) twin screws 
  • Complement 120 Armament 4 × 40 mm guns 4 × .50 cal machine guns

USCGC Acushnet (ret) 2025