Abstract:
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter CHILULA was stationed in Morehead City, NC for 35 years, serving between 1956 and 1991. CHILULA was built in 1945 as a Navajo-class tug for use in the U.S. Navy. Decommissioned in 1947, the tug was towed to Morehead City a decade later for use in the U.S. Coast Guard. The author served on board as a Quartermaster and recalls the juxtaposition between life on board and his liberty time in Morehead City. The vessel participated in both search and rescue activities and conducted narcotics patrols in southern waters. USCGC CHILULA was retired from service in June, 1991 and intentionally sunk.