New USCG Cutter Mackinaw by Skip Barnes

The USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30) is a 240-foot multi-purpose vessel with the primary mission as a heavy Great Lakes icebreaker. In addition to heavy icebreaking, the Mackinaw has state of the art systems and multi-mission capabilities that include maintenance of aids to navigation, search and rescue, as well as the ability to deploy an oil skimming system to respond to oil spill situations and environmental response. The cutter was launched the year before it was officially commissioned on June 10, 2006, the same day her namesake (pictured below) was retired.

The Mackinaw WAGB 83 is now the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in Mackinaw City. With a self-guided tour of the original, it is well worth a visit if you’re in the Mackinaw City area!

Skip took these photos way back in 2007 – see more in his Ships gallery on Flickr.

Old USCG Cutter Mackinaw by Skip Barnes