
The USCGC Onondaga is a United States Coast Guard Cutter that has a rich history.
The Onondaga was commissioned in 1928 and served in various roles throughout its career, including as a cutter, a patrol boat, and even a training vessel.
The cutter was named after the Onondaga Native American tribe, who were one of the original five nations that made up the Iroquois Confederacy.
USCGC Onondaga
The USCGC Onondaga was a US Coast Guard cutter that served from 1927 to 1969. It was 225 feet long.
The Onondaga was a Tacoma-class patrol boat, designed for coastal patrol and law enforcement duties. It had a crew of about 100 people.
The ship was commissioned on February 23, 1927, and spent most of its career on the East Coast and in the Caribbean.
165' Algonquin Patrol Boat (Wpg)
The 165' Algonquin class Patrol Boat, also known as the 165-Foot "A" Patrol Craft, was a notable vessel in the US Coast Guard's fleet.

This class of patrol boats was designed for various tasks, including law enforcement and search and rescue operations. They were built to be versatile and effective in a range of situations.
The USCGC Onondaga (WPG-79) was one of the vessels in this class, along with several others. Here are the names of the other patrol boats in the Algonquin class:
- USCGC Algonquin (WPG-75)
- USCGC Comanche (WPG-76)
- USCGC Escanaba (WPG-77)
- USCGC Mohawk (WPG-78)
- USCGC Onondaga (WPG-79)
- USCGC Tahoma (WPG-80)
Ship Overview
The 165' Algonquin Patrol Boat is a sturdy vessel designed for maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations. It has a length of 165 feet and a beam of 24 feet.
The boat is powered by two 1,600 horsepower Caterpillar diesel engines, which provide a top speed of 25 knots. This speed allows it to quickly respond to emergencies and patrol large areas.
The Algonquin Patrol Boat has a draft of 6 feet, which enables it to navigate in shallow waters and operate in a variety of marine environments.
Here's an interesting read: Vessel Speed Restrictions to Reduce Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales
Specifications

The 165' Algonquin class Patrol Boat, also known as the 165-Foot "A" Patrol Craft, is a vessel that's worth taking a closer look at.
The USCGC Onondaga, a notable example of this class, has a length of 165 feet.
These patrol boats were designed to be versatile and effective in their duties, with a focus on maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations.
Here are some of the notable vessels in the 165' Algonquin class:
- USCGC Algonquin (WPG-75)
- USCGC Comanche (WPG-76)
- USCGC Escanaba (WPG-77)
- USCGC Mohawk (WPG-78)
- USCGC Onondaga (WPG-79)
- USCGC Tahoma (WPG-80)
Design and Features
The 165' Algonquin Patrol Boat (Wpg) is a sturdy vessel with a length of 165 feet.
The boat features a steel hull with a beam of 31 feet, providing stability in rough waters.
The Algonquin's propulsion system consists of two 4,500 horsepower diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 18 knots.
The vessel's design includes a forecastle, a raised platform at the bow that serves as a crew quarters and living space.
The Algonquin also has a galley, a kitchen area that provides essential amenities for the crew on long patrols.
Broaden your view: Ship and Boat Building in Whitby
Service History

The 165' Algonquin Patrol Boat (Wpg) has a rich service history that's worth exploring.
Commissioned in 1969, it was originally built for the Canadian Coast Guard.
It spent its early years patrolling the Great Lakes, providing vital services to the community.
The boat played a key role in search and rescue operations, helping to save countless lives.
The Algonquin underwent significant renovations in 2001, which included upgrades to its propulsion system and communication equipment.
This upgrade allowed the boat to continue serving the community for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Uscgc stand for?
The "USCGC" ship prefix stands for United States Coast Guard Cutter. It's used to identify commissioned vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USCGC_Onondaga
- https://www.oldweatherforum.org/viewforum.php
- https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/026.html
- https://www.myballard.com/2011/04/27/epa-dive-team-investigates-sunken-vessel/
- https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_United_States_Coast_Guard_cutters
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