USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109)

The USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) plays a critical role in protecting our country’s domestic waters, keeping them safe and navigable for all. A Bay class icebreaking tug, she is tasked with supporting a wide range of activities, as well as supporting other crucial missions, throughout New England.

During the winter months, Sturgeon Bay is responsible for providing Search and Rescue capabilities to the ice-covered areas in New York City and the Hudson Valley, as well as throughout coastal New England. The cutter also facilitates the safe navigation of commercial product, including gasoline and heating oil, through the ice-choked Hudson River from New York City to Albany. In addition to ice breaking, Sturgeon Bay is heavily involved in providing waterside security for the port of New York/New Jersey, the busiest port on the East Coast. Sturgeon Bay is also responsible for monitoring vessel traffic, enforcing boating regulations for recreational and commercial vessels, and acting as lead security for high profile events in the port.

Commissioned in 1988, the USCGC Sturgeon Bay has a displacement of approximately 662 long tons and measures 140 feet in length. Due to its multitude of support capabilities, the Sturgeon Bay is ideally suited for a variety of missions including logistics, search and rescue, ship escort, environmental protection, and enforcement of laws and treaties.

Minted from solid bronze, and finished with an antique patina, this coin pays tribute to the USCGC Sturgeon Bay and salutes the exceptional service of her crew. The obverse contains the USCGC Sturgeon Bay sailing by the Statue of Liberty, with the former World Trade Center in the background, draped in an American flag. The reverse displays the emblem of the United States Coast Guard, imbued with a bold enamel accents.