USCGC Mendota (WHEC-69) - Peacetime Service

Peacetime Service

Mendota was stationed at Boston, Massachusetts, from April 1946 to January 1947. She was used for law enforcement, ocean station, and search and rescue operations. She was stationed at Wilmington, NC, from January 1947 to 29 February 1972 with the same duties assigned.

From 14 May to 23 July 1947, Mendota shared an International Ice Patrol with the cutter Spencer. Another International Ice Patrol was shared with the cutter Mocoma from 26 April to 3 July 1948. While serving on ocean station Charlie in early January 1949, Mendota had to leave early due to an acute case of appendicitis. From 28 to 31 March 1950, she towed the disabled MV Edison Mariner until a commercial tug arrived. On 21 and 22 August 1950, she towed the disabled MV South Bend Victory until relieved by a commercial tug. On 2 January 1952, she medevaced a crewman from FV Silver Bay at 44°47’N, 56°22’W. On 2 March 1952, she provided medical aid to MV Rachel Jackson at 37°30’N, 66°08’W. On 9 March 1952, she recovered a buoy and transferred it to the tender Madrona. On 12 and 13 March 1952, Mendota medevaced a crewman from MV Saxton Star and transferred him to MV Queen of Bermuda. On 18 September 1953, she medevaced a crewman from MV Government Camp.

From 15 to 17 March 1954, Mendota towed the disabled FV Eagle to Newfoundland. On 31 August 1954, she towed the disabled tug Ocean Prince until relieved. On 11 and 12 January 1955, she escorted the disabled MV Flying Cloud III to Frying Pan Shoals. On 13 January 1955, she assisted the disabled FV Stephen Margo 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Diamond Shoals. On 14 January 1955, she escorted an ammunition barge. On 15 and 16 August 1955, Mendota rescued 46 crew members and one dog from the Portuguese FV Ilhavense Segundo.

On 11 and 12 March 1957, Mendota assisted the disabled FV Stella Maris 63 miles (101 km) southwest of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. On 25 January 1958, Mendota towed the disabled USN tug Sagamore and the destroyer escort Stewart to Southport, ME. On 22 May 1958, while serving on Ocean Station ECHO, she rescued the pilots from two USAF jets that had collided. On 6 January 1959, she assisted MV Hillcrest at 34°43’N, 62°30’W. From 1 to 22 August 1960, she was employed on the reserve cruise visiting Veracruz, Mexico. She paid an official visit to Curaçao from 18–21 August 1961.

In 15 November 1962, Mendota assisted the disabled schooner Curlew 90 miles (140 km) northwest of Bermuda. In March 1965, she served as on-scene commander following a mid-air collision of two USAF aircraft 200 miles (320 km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland. The body of one of the pilots was recovered and returned to Argentia.

Mendota coordinated a search for the SV Stella Maris, a 26-foot (7.9 m) yacht with a single crew member sailing from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda, in October 1966. The crewman refused assistance when found by Mendota, and Stella Maris later disappeared without a trace. Mendota participated in a medical emergency on board the SS Michelangelo in March, 1967 after Michelangelo was struck by a 110-foot (34 m) freak wave. On 24 April 1968, Mendota took on board 26 survivors from Irinis Luck. In the fall of 1968 Mendota coordinated the rescue of the Alberto Beneti during hurricane Helen.