The USRC Levi Woodbury was a Pawtuxet-class screw steam revenue cutter constructed during the American Civil War era, specifically built in 1863–64 by J. W. Lynn in Philadelphia. Originally named Mahoning, the vessel measured approximately 130 feet in length, with a beam of 26 feet 6 inches, and a draft and hold depth of 11 feet. Its hull was crafted from oak, locust, and white oak, reinforced with diagonal iron bracing. The ship was powered by a two-cylinder oscillating engine driving an 8-foot diameter screw propeller, with an unrecorded speed likely similar to her sister ship’s 12 knots. She was also equipped with a topsail schooner rig for auxiliary sail power. Armament consisted of a single 30-pounder Parrott rifle and five 24-pounder howitzers, with a crew complement of seven officers and 34 enlisted men. The vessel was commissioned into the Revenue Marine on July 18, 1864, and primarily operated off the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts. Her duties included rescue operations, patrols, and notable incidents such as foiling a filibuster raid on Cuba in 1869 and participating in ceremonies like the funeral procession of George Peabody and the departure of a Japanese diplomatic mission. She also transported a Congressional Committee and aided British vessels in distress, earning recognition for her maritime aid efforts. Renamed Levi Woodbury in 1873, the cutter continued her service for over five decades, becoming the oldest active-duty vessel in U.S. government service by 1913. Throughout her career, she specialized in winter patrols along the treacherous Maine coast, where her reinforced hull and icebreaking capabilities were vital. During the Spanish–American War, she briefly served with the U.S. Navy, participating in blockades and convoy operations. Despite her aging structure and worn condition, she remained operational until her decommissioning in 1915, after which she was sold and became a merchant vessel named Laksco. She remained in shipping records until 1932, marking a distinguished 51-year service record in maritime safety and law enforcement.

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