Maritime Injury Law BlogCoast Guard Cutter Naushon Retired After 40 Years
In a ceremony celebrating nearly four decades of service, the U.S. Coast Guard officially decommissioned the Cutter NAUSHON on Friday March 21st, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. Presiding over the event was Rear Adm. Megan Dean, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard District 17, who honored the vessel’s long standing commitment and its crews’ significant contributions to national security and community safety.
Commissioned on October 3rd, 1986, the NAUSHON was placed into active duty as the 11th vessel in the Island-Class patrol boat fleet. Throughout its service, the NAUSHON exemplified the versatility and dependability that the Island-Class cutters are known for. The cutter played a crucial role in safeguarding Alaska’s challenging coastal waters and provided crucial assistance in marine law enforcement, environmental protection, national defense operations, and numerous lifesaving missions.
Since 2016, when it began operating from Homer, Alaska, the NAUSHON significantly strengthened maritime safety along Alaska’s rugged coastline. While stationed in Homer, the vessel and its crew answered the call in over 50 critical search-and-rescue missions, providing essential assistance to mariners in distress. The NAUSHON also completed nearly 900 law enforcement missions, underscoring its vital role in maintaining maritime security and enforcing federal maritime laws across Alaskan waters.
At 110-feet, the NAUSHON was an agile vessel, enabling crew to execute missions in diverse and often harsh conditions. These successes helped to solidify strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders, significantly contributing to the region’s safety and economic stability.
Lt. Markham Ross, commanding officer of the NAUSHON, reflected on the vessel’s impactful legacy during the ceremony. “I’m incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the positive impact NAUSHON and its crew have had on the local community and economy,” Ross said. “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to write the final chapter in Naushon’s storied history, and I’m blessed to have served the people of Alaska with the finest crew and cutter in the fleet.”
With the retirement of the aging Island-Class patrol boats, including the NAUSHON, the U.S. Coast Guard is leading a new era with the advanced Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). These modern vessels include enhanced operational capabilities, increased speed, and improved technology, equipping the U.S. Coast Guard to meet mission requirements more effectively. Currently, four of these advanced FRCs are already stationed in Alaska. Two additional cutters are scheduled to arrive soon.
The decommissioning ceremony not only honored the legacy of Cutter NAUSHON but also highlighted a significant transitional period for the U.S. Coast Guard, with modernization efforts aimed at strengthening maritime security and response times in Alaska and nationwide.
As the NAUSHON concludes its notable service, the U.S. Coast Guard continues its commitment to ongoing excellence and innovation in maritime safety, environmental protection, and national defense. The cutter’s legacy serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and bravery of those who served aboard her for nearly four decades.