USCG Barque Eagle - Large

United States Coast Guard USCG Eagle Tall Model. The legendary cutter USCG Eagle is proudly recreated here in stunning detail, bringing the joy of this awe-inspiring ship to your home. One of only two remaining active commissioned sailing vessels in the United States Navy, the Eagle continues to serve with pride and distinction, the training vessel for every young Coast Guard officer candidate. Place this fabulous model atop the mantel or on your desk, grace any room with its presence, and feel the indomitable, patriotic spirit of the high seas. The model has been meticulously constructed of hard and soft woods using the original design specs, USCG documents and photographs.

History:
Prior to Becoming USCG Eagle
As one of three sailing training ships, built in pre-World War II Germany, the USCG Eagle began her legendary career at sea as the SSS Horst Wessel. Designed by John Stanley as a Gorch Fock class cutter, she was launched on June 13 1936, completed on September 16, and was commissioned the following day. Constructed by the historic Blohm and Voss Shipyards, the SSS Horst Wessel emerged at 295 feet long, weighing 1824 tons. Powered by engine and sail, she operated with three masts and a 1,000 horsepower diesel engine.

Commanded by Captain August Theile, the Horst Wessel set out on numerous training exercises throughout the waters of coastal Europe and the Caribbean. As the flagship of the Kliegsmarine sail training fleet countless sailors learned war-time tactics while aboard her decks before she was decommissioned in 1939. Between 1939 and 1942 the Horst Wessel continued to serve as a training ship while she was docked at port before being recommissioned in 1942. Though she was not an integral part of the offensive German strategy at sea, she was outfitted with two 20mm anti-aircraft guns on the bridge, another two on the foredeck, and two quad guns along her midsection, making for a fearsome warship both to naval and aerial enemies.

Adopted by the United States:

Following the end of World War II, the SSS Horst Wessel was taken by the United States and commissioned into service for the Coast Guard on May 15, 1946. Rechristened the Eagle, she sailed from Bremerhaven, Germany the following month, to her new home in New London, Connecticut. As the sixth American vessel to take the name Eagle, the first dating to 1792, she found her new homeport on the Thames River alongside the United States Coast Guard Academy. Continuing her original purpose, the USCG Eagle became a training ship for countless Coast Guard students and remains America’s only active square-rigger vessel .

Throughout the decades since her commissioning into the United States Coast Guard, the USCG Eagle has also served as a diplomatic ship, cruising to foreign countries as an ambassador, and participating in Tall Ship races.

Measures: 20" L x 13" H x 2.5" W

Item: MD-384

Price: $199.95