The USCGC Sebago (WHEC-42) was an Owasco-class high endurance cutter built by Western Pipe & Steel at their San Pedro shipyard, commissioned on September 20, 1945. Named after Sebago Lake in Maine, she was initially designated WPG-42 before her classification was changed to WHEC-42, indicating her role as a High Endurance Cutter. The vessel measured approximately 255 feet in length, with a beam of around 43 feet, and was equipped for extended patrols and various operational missions. Upon commissioning, Sebago was first based in San Francisco before quickly relocating to Norfolk, Virginia, where she operated from November 1945 to June 1946. Her early duties included law enforcement, ocean station duties, weather patrols, and search and rescue operations. She notably rescued the crew of a ditched C-47 aircraft near her station in April 1948. After decommissioning in October 1949 and storage at Curtis Bay, Maryland, she was recommissioned in December 1952 and based in Boston until 1954. Later, she was stationed in Mobile, Alabama, performing law enforcement, search and rescue, and Campeche Patrol duties off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Throughout her service, Sebago undertook numerous patrols, assistance missions, and training cruises, covering over 20,000 miles annually during her active years. She was involved in a collision with the USNS Croatan in 1959 and suffered a significant engine room fire in October 1964, causing substantial damage. She also participated in humanitarian efforts, including medical aid and infrastructure support in Vietnam. In 1968, Sebago underwent refurbishment in preparation for Vietnam service. From March to November 1969, she served with Coast Guard Squadron Three in South Vietnam, supporting Operation Market Time by interdicting North Vietnamese supplies and providing naval gunfire support. Her crew also conducted humanitarian missions, treating villagers and constructing infrastructure. She was decommissioned on February 29, 1972, and scrapped in 1974, marking a distinguished career in law enforcement, search and rescue, and combat support.

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