USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35) facts for kids

USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35)
Quick facts for kids History
United States
Name	Samuel D. Ingham Ingham (May 1937)
Namesake	Samuel D. Ingham
Awarded	30 January 1934
Builder	Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
Laid down	1 May 1935
Launched	3 June 1936
Sponsored by	Katherine Ingham Brush
Commissioned	12 September 1936
Decommissioned	27 May 1988
Reclassified	WPG-35 (1 July 1941) WAGC-35 (24 July 1944) WHEC-35 (1 May 1965)
Motto	Never too old to serve
Status	Museum ship
General characteristics
Displacement	2,700 long tons (2,700 t)
Length	327 ft (100 m)
Beam	41 ft (12 m)
Installed power	2 × Babcock & Wilcox boilers 6,200 hp (4,600 kW)
Propulsion	2 × Westinghouse double reduction geared steam turbine engines 2 × Propellers
Speed	21 kn (39 km/h; 24 mph)
Range	8,270 nmi (15,320 km; 9,520 mi)
Complement	(1937) 12 officers, 4 warrants, 107 enlisted (1941) 16 officers, 5 warrants, 202 enlisted (1966) 10 officers, 3 warrants, 134 enlisted
Armament	Depending on the time period: 1 to 4 × 5" (127 mm)/38 caliber Mk.30 2 × 5" (127 mm)/51 caliber 2 × 6-pounder saluting guns varying numbers of .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns
Aircraft carried	originally 1 Grumman Duck seaplane, later removed
USCGC Ingham
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Ingham preserved in Key West.
Location in Florida
Location	Key West, Florida
Built	1935
Architect	US Coast Guard; Philadelphia Navy Yard
NRHP reference No.	92001879
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	27 April 1992
Designated NHL	27 April 1992

The USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35) is a very special ship. It's one of only two Coast Guard cutters of its kind that have been saved and turned into museums. Originally named Samuel D. Ingham, this ship was named after a former Treasury Secretary. The Ingham was the most decorated ship in the entire Coast Guard fleet. It even received two Presidential Unit Citations, which are very high honors for a military unit.

A Hero Ship's Journey: 1934-1988

The Ingham was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Its construction began on May 1, 1935. The ship was officially launched on June 3, 1936, alongside its sister ships. Ms. Katherine Ingham Brush christened the ship that day. The Ingham officially joined the Coast Guard on September 12, 1936.

Serving in World War II

Ingham at U.S. Navy Yard, S.C., 11 Oct 1944

The Ingham played an important role during World War II. It helped protect convoys, which were groups of ships carrying important supplies to Britain. The Ingham faced tough challenges, including bad weather, German U-boats (submarines), and enemy airplanes.

One amazing moment happened on December 15, 1942. During a crossing, the Ingham fought and sank an enemy submarine called U-626. After 1944, the Ingham also served in the Pacific Ocean. It took part in three different campaigns there. The Ingham was the last active warship in the U.S. fleet that had sunk a U-boat.

Adventures After the War

Ingham in 1953

After World War II, the Ingham continued its service. In August 1966, it rescued a lone sailor named William Willis off the eastern coast of the U.S. This was a remarkable rescue at sea.

The Ingham also served during the Vietnam War. It earned two Presidential Unit Citations for its brave actions. These awards were for its service in Operation SEA LORDS and Operation SWIFT RAIDER. This deployment lasted from August 3, 1968, to February 28, 1969.

After its time in Vietnam, the Ingham returned to its regular Coast Guard duties. It served faithfully until 1988, when it was officially taken out of service, or decommissioned. At that time, the Ingham was the second oldest active U.S. warship still afloat. Only the USS Constitution in Boston, Massachusetts, was older.

A Floating Museum and Special Memorial

Ingham at Patriots Point in 1990

In 1989, the Ingham was acquired by Patriot's Point. This is a naval and maritime museum located near Charleston, South Carolina. There, it was displayed alongside other famous ships. These included the aircraft carrier Yorktown and the destroyer Laffey.

On August 20, 2009, the Ingham was moved to the Coast Guard piers in North Charleston. It then went through some repairs and was later towed to Key West, Florida. The ship arrived in Key West on November 24, 2009. Today, it is part of the Key West Maritime Memorial Museum.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard has given the Ingham a very important role. It is now the National Memorial to Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives in action during World War II and the Vietnam War. A special plaque on the ship lists the names of these 912 brave individuals. In 1992, the Ingham was also recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great historical importance.

Awards and Honors

Ribbons and Medals painted on in January 2010.

The USCGC Ingham received many awards for its long and distinguished service. These awards show how brave and effective the ship and its crew were. Some of its top honors include:

• Presidential Unit Citation – It received this high honor twice.
• Coast Guard Unit Commendation – Awarded twice for outstanding service.
• Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation – Received twice for excellent performance.
• American Defense Service Medal – For service before and during World War II.
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal – With three battle stars for its actions in Europe.
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal – With three battle stars for its service in the Pacific.
• World War II Victory Medal – For its role in winning World War II.
• Vietnam Service Medal – With three campaign stars for its service in Vietnam.
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation – An award from Vietnam for bravery.

Images for kids

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  Ingham in 1953

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  The Ingham around 1965

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  USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35) off Vietnam around 1968

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  Ingham in Key West in 2019

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  Executive Officer's stateroom

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  View of the bow of the Ingham with a 5"/38 caliber gun, and a 6-pounder saluting gun