7031 US COAST GUARD CUTTER EASTWIND WAG-279

USCGS Eastwind (WAGB-279) was an American icebreaker-capable patrol boat, the keel of which was laid in June 1942, launched in June 1944, and was fully completed the same year. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 82 m, maximum width 19.4 m, with a full displacement of about 6,100 tons. In turn, the maximum speed was around 16-17 knots. The armament of the unit at the time of launching included: 4 127 mm guns, 12 40 mm anti-aircraft cannons or 6 20 mm anti-aircraft guns. The unit was also able to initially perform flight operations with a single Grumman J2F Duck seaplane. USCGS Eastwind (WAGB-279) was one of the Wind-class ships built for the United States Coast Guard. Vessels of this type have been adapted to act as icebreakers and it is not uncommon to hear the opinion that they were the first modern icebreakers in the service of the US Coast Guard. Wind-class units were distinguished by a very modern and above-average strength hull structure, made of high-strength steel and considerable thickness. The ships had de facto double skin above the waterline. The shape of the hull was also unusual, and the ratio of length to width was rare. Nevertheless, ships of this type turned out to be very successful. USCGS Eastwind (WAGB-279), shortly after entering service, took a limited part in World War II, operating, inter alia, in the region of Greenland. After 1945, the unit remained in active service and its armament was systematically reduced. The unit was not sold for scrap until 1972.