Grand Haven is the one and only Coast Guard City USA. With the ships coming to dock today, the festival begins in earnest. Our little town of 10,000 will see over 300,000 visitors this week.
The Coast Guard is the only part of the military constantly on active duty… and since 1790. Their scope is much broader than any other military branch, not just the search and rescue that everyone sees. They also deploy overseas during peacetime, and augment the Navy during war. The above ship is the Escanaba (WWEC-907), named after her predecessor, the Escanaba (WPG-77).
The original Escanaba was sunk during WWII by a torpedo or mine while on convoy duty in the Atlantic… only 2 survivors from a crew of 105. It was commissioned in Grand Haven in 1932, and her home port until redeployed to the East Coast for combat during WWII.
The new Escanaba was also commissioned in Grand Haven (1987), but is based out of Boston. Most people in the crowd today probably aren’t aware of the full history, but for some, it is an emotional welcome home for the ship and crew of the Escanaba.
The crowd along the far pier got a welcome soaking by another Coast Guard ship.
And the Canadians have again sent a ship to join in the celebration.
Never a fan of huge crowds, after today’s arrival celebration we plan to stay near home as much as possible. Traffic will be a nightmare.