Puerto Vallarta recently had the privilege of hosting three venerable U.S. Coast Guard cutters – the USCGC Liberty (WPB 1334), USCGC Mustang (WPB 1310), and USCGC Naushon (WPB 1311) – over Memorial Day weekend. Their visit marked a poignant moment as these vessels embarked on their final voyage to Colombia, concluding nearly four decades of distinguished service as the last of the Island-Class patrol boats.
Upon their arrival on Saturday, May 24th, the crews received a warm reception from American Legion Post 12 Banderas Bay, which organized a sunset gathering at Murphy’s Irish Pub on the Malecón. The following day, Sunday, May 25th, members and friends of Post 12 were treated to a private tour of the USCGC Mustang, led by its commanding officer, LT Gaby Troise, who holds the distinction of being the youngest female to command the vessel.
Earlier this year, all three cutters were decommissioned in Alaska and have since been transferred to the Colombian Navy through the U.S. government’s Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. This transfer continues a pattern of other Island-Class cutters being provided to various countries, including Costa Rica, Greece, Ukraine, and the Philippines. As these iconic vessels make way for the more advanced Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutters, their visit to Puerto Vallarta served as a fitting tribute to their legacy of dedication and service.
Source: Banderas News
