USCGC Tampa (WPG-48) - History

History

Tampa, a steel-hulled, single-screw cutter, was laid down on 27 September 1920 at Oakland, California, by the Union Construction Company. She was launched on 19 April 1921, sponsored by Mrs. Joseph P. Conners, and commissioned on 15 September 1921, Lieutenant Commander M. J. Wheeler, USCG, in command.

Tampa got underway for the United States East Coast, transited the Panama Canal on 28 October 1921, and arrived at New York, New York, on 7 November 1921. On 23 November 1921, the cutter shifted to Boston, Massachusetts, her home port. In the ensuing years, Tampa operated as part of the International Ice Patrol established in the aftermath of the RMS Titanic tragedy in 1912. Between March and July — the peak months in which icebergs were regarded as a menace to the northernmost transatlantic sea lanes — Tampa conducted regular patrols, alternating with USCGC Modoc (Coast Guard Cutter No. 39) on 15-day stretches. At the end of each patrol, Tampa would put into Halifax, Nova Scotia, for stores and fuel. Between these cruises in the frigid waters at the northern end of the Atlantic, Tampa operated on exercises and maneuvers, sharpened her skill with target practice and battle drills, and patrolled sailing regattas.

Shifted to the New York division, with headquarters at Stapleton, New York, in August 1932, Tampa arrived at her new home port on the 27 August 1932. She operated from this base until the late 1930s. During this time, she participated in the drama which accompanied the tragic fire on board the Ward Line steamer SS Morro Castle.