By Karen Robes Meeks
After almost 26 years of service, the US Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island (WPB 1349) was recently decommissioned in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The 110-foot Island Class patrol boat known as the “Pacific Prowler” has been involved in various law enforcement cases, safety and security enforcement patrols, presidential security operations and rescues at sea.
“The ship has been integral to the Coast Guard’s numerous missions and District Fourteen initiatives since its commissioning,” said Lt. Steele Johnson, commanding officer of Galveston Island. “The island class patrol boats have been the workhorses of the Coast Guard for nearly 30 years, and this ship has been no exception. Serving with this fine crew on such an accomplished ship and platform has been the highlight of my career, and I’m extremely proud and blessed to have done so. The crew’s accomplishments and dedication to excellence honor those crews that have come before us, and set the standard for crews of any ship to come. The Galveston Island may leave our service today, but its legacy lives on.”
