3505 JOHN C. SPENCER 1944 U.S.C.G CUTTER

The USCGS Spencer (WPG-36) was an American High Endurance Cutter, the keel of which was laid in September 1935, launched in January 1937, and was fully completed in March of the same year. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 99.7 m, width 12.5 m, with a displacement of about 2,200 tons. The maximum speed, on the other hand, did not exceed 20-21 knots. The armament of the unit at the time of the launch consisted of: 2 guns caliber 127 mm, 2 guns caliber 57 mm and 8 machine guns caliber 12.7 mm. At the same time, it underwent significant changes and modifications during the service - for example, during World War II, it was significantly expanded with anti-submarine weapons. USCGS Spencer (WPG-36) was one of seven Treasury-class ships to be built for the United States Coast Guard. Their design was based on US Navy Erie-type gunboats, and a large part of the hull and propulsion system were virtually identical. A lot of emphasis was also placed on the possibility of carrying out long patrols on the high seas, good seafaring, as well as the ability to participate in rescue and search operations. Ultimately, the Treasury class units were characterized by high reliability, durability of the structure, considerable possibilities for this class of ships, and considerable modernization potential. USCGS Spencer (WPG-36) was built at the New York Navy Yard in New York City. The unit took an active part in World War II, taking part in the Battle of the Atlantic from February 1942 to mid-1943 and covering nearly 20 convoys. She was also instrumental in sinking two German submarines: U-175 and U-633. It also served in the Far East from the second half of 1944, supporting landing operations in Luzon and the island of Palawan. The unit remained in active service after 1945 and took an active part in the Vietnam War (1964 / 1965-1975). USCGS Spencer (WPG-36) was retired from line service in 1974.