USCGC Courier Radar Picket Ship
Built in 1945 as the C1-M-AV1 Class cargo ship Coastal Messenger
Transferred to the Department of State in 1952
Converted to communications vessel for use in Operation Vagabond
The idea was to broadcast the Voice of America to countries behind the Iron Curtain
The ship could easily move from hot spot to hot spot as needed
For political reasons, the Navy could not operate the vessel
So the Coast Guard acquired a new mission
22 August 1952 – On station off Rhodes Greece
Originally used a barrage balloon to hold the antenna aloft
Later, after a few balloons sailed over Turkey, the forward mast
July 1964 – operations moved ashore – Courier ordered home
Longest USCGC deployment in history
Served as a training cutter at OCS till 1972
Model: Yes
Designation | Name | Class | Hull | Service | Comments | Pictures |
USCGC | Courier (ex Coastal Messenger) |
WAGR/WTR | 410 | 1952 – 1972 | CGH Link Link |