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 including clearing mines.  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 until retirement in 2011. 

USS Shackle (AR9) 1944-1946

USCGC Acushnet (WAT-167)

Awards & Honors

American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 battle stars
World War II Victory Medal
Occupation Service Medal with "Asia" Clasp

Presidential Unit Citation
Secretary of Transportation Outstanding
 Unit Award
2 Coast Guard Unit Commendations

6 Coast Guard Meritorious
 Unit Commendations
Coast Guard E Ribbon

Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation
4 National Defense Service Medals
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
2 Humanitarian Service Medals

Transportation 9-11 Ribbon
2 Special Operations Service Ribbons

"Queen of the Fleet" 2007-2011

USCGC Acushnet (WAGO-167)

USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167)

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.

  • 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 

Acushnet  2025