United States lightship Columbia (WLV-604) facts for kids
United States lightship Columbia (WLV-604) is a special kind of ship called a lightship. It is now a museum ship located in Astoria, Oregon, United States of America. The Columbia used to be anchored near the mouth of the Columbia River, helping other ships find their way.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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  United States |
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| Name | USCGC Columbia (WLV-604) |
| Namesake | Columbia River |
| Builder | Rice Brothers Corporation, Boothbay, Maine |
| Launched | 1950 |
| Commissioned | 1951 |
| Decommissioned | 1979 |
| Homeport | Astoria, Oregon |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 617 long tons (627 t) |
| Length | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Beam | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Draft | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
| Propulsion | 1 × 550 hp (410 kW) Atlas-Imperial direct reversing 8-cylinder diesel engine |
| Speed | 10.7 knots (19.8 km/h; 12.3 mph) |
| Complement | 17 enlisted, 1 warrant officer |
| Anchor: | 7,000 lb (3,200 kg) mushroom anchor |
| Light: | 600 kilocandela lens, 1,200 watt light (13 nmi (24 km; 15 mi) range) |
| Foghorn: | Diaphone foghorn (5 mi (8.0 km) range) |
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Lightship WAL-604, "Columbia"
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 Location in Astoria OR
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| Location | 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon |
| Built | 1950 |
| Architect | Rice Brothers |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002463 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | February 17, 1978 |
| Designated NHL | December 20, 1989 |
Contents
What is a Lightship?
A lightship is like a floating lighthouse. It stays in one spot to warn ships about dangers. These dangers could be shallow waters or tricky areas. Lightships also help guide ships safely into harbors. They have a bright light and a loud foghorn.
History of the Columbia Lightship
Building and Launching the Columbia
The Columbia was built by Rice Brothers Shipyard. This shipyard is located in Boothbay, Maine. The ship was launched in 1950. It was built at the same time as its sister ship, the Relief (WLV-605).
Serving the Columbia River
The Columbia started its service in 1951. It was the fourth and last lightship to be placed at the mouth of the Columbia River. Before the Columbia, another ship called LV-93 had been there since 1939.
For many years, from 1892 until 1979, lightships helped guide vessels. They helped ships cross the Columbia River Bar. This area is sometimes called the Graveyard of the Pacific. It is known for being very dangerous for ships.
Life Aboard the Lightship
The Coast Guard kept a team of 18 people on board. This team included 17 enlisted men and one officer. The officer was the ship's captain. Everything the crew needed had to be on the ship. During winter, bad weather could stop supplies from reaching them for weeks.
Life on the lightship could be boring for long periods. But it also had exciting times. The crew would ride through strong storms with very high winds. Crew members worked for two to four weeks at a time. Ten people were always on duty.
End of Service and Museum Life
The Columbia was the last lightship to be taken out of service on the U.S. West Coast. This happened in 1979. An automatic buoy took its place. This buoy could do the same job without a crew. The buoy has also been retired since then.
In 1978, the Columbia was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list recognizes important historical sites. It was removed in 1983 because it moved from its original spot. But it was put back on the list in 1989. At that time, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
Today, the Columbia (WLV-604) is a museum ship. You can visit it at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The buoy that replaced it in 1979 is also there.
See also
- List of lighthouses on the Oregon Coast
- Columbia Bar
