Cheboygan, MI - The U.S. Coast Guard's largest domestic icebreaker, the CGC MACKINAW (WAGB-83), is returning to Toledo for a farewell visit. Her keel was laid in Toledo on March 20, 1943 by the Toledo Shipbuilding Company. The American Shipbuilding and Drydock Company completed construction and launched her on March 4, 1944. When she was commissioned, MACKINAW was the most powerful and capable icebreaker in the world.
For over 62 years, MACKINAW served the Great Lakes shipping industry, moving commerce vital to the region and the nation. From December through April, MACKINAW broke ice to maintain the flow of commerce through the Great Lakes and connecting rivers. MACKINAW recently concluded her final ice season and will be decommissioned in June 2006.
Come visit the CGC MACKINAW (WAGB-83) during her farewell visit to Toledo. The cutter will be moored at the Lafarge Cement Dock and will be open for tours on Saturday April 15th from 1-5 pm.
For more information contact ENS Elizabeth Newton at enewton@cgcmackinaw.uscg.mil or (231) 420-9562.
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