The USCGC Yellowfin (WPB-87319) is an 87-foot (27-meter) Marine Protector-class patrol boat operated by the United States Coast Guard. Built by Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana, she is the 19th vessel in her class, a series so successful that a total of 73 cutters were commissioned. The vessel is home-ported in Charleston, South Carolina. Constructed with a focus on versatility and efficiency, the Yellowfin features a sleek, oceangoing design suited for missions of up to five days. She was designed to accommodate a crew of ten, including provisions for mixed-gender crews, reflecting contemporary operational needs. Her armament is modest, comprising a pair of M2 Browning heavy machine guns, suitable for her patrol and interdiction roles. A notable feature of the Yellowfin is her stern launching ramp, which enables her to deploy and recover a high-speed pursuit boat without stopping. This capability allows for rapid response and pursuit during interdiction or rescue operations, with only a single crew member required to remain on deck during boat launch or retrieval, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Throughout her service, the Yellowfin has participated in significant missions. In September 2017, she was among 13 Coast Guard cutters assigned to assist Puerto Rico in responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The vessel also played a role in law enforcement efforts; notably, on August 30, 2018, she and USS Zephyr intercepted a go-fast boat from the Dominican Republic, seizing four drug smugglers and 32 kilograms (71 pounds) of cocaine. Additionally, she participated in a remembrance ceremony in Charleston on November 30, 2018, honoring those lost in the wreck of the pleasure craft Morning Dew. Overall, the USCGC Yellowfin exemplifies the versatility, rapid response capability, and operational importance of the Marine Protector-class cutters within the Coast Guard’s fleet.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.