USCGC Kennebec (WLIC-802)

USCGC Kennebec (WLIC-802)

One of the most modern inland construction tenders in service, The USCGC Kennebec (WLIC-802) is known as the “Cadillac of the Construction Tender.” Her main duty is to build or repair any aids to navigation used by mariners to safely navigate the waters of the United States. 

The most unusual feature of USCGC Kennebec is her “spuds”. The spuds are four upright square steel piles that can be raised or lowered. When lowered into the sea bottom they prevent movement of the vessel, which provides a stable platform for our crane and pile driver. When underway the spuds are raised. The real workhorse of USCGC Kennebec is the crane with its 70 foot boom. The crane is capable of lifting loads up to 10 tons.

Built at Curtis Bay in Baltimore in 1976, the USCGC Kennebec has a length of approximately 160 feet and carries a complete crew of fifteen. She is responsible for over 1,400 fixed aids to navigation along the Virginia Inside Passage.

Minted in nickel alloy, and hand-finished with a silver antique patina for exceptional quality and detail, this coin pays tribute to the USCGC Kennebec and salutes the exceptional service of her crew. The obverse contains an original depiction of the Kennebec, placing an aid to navigation in its proper place. The reverse displays the seal of the U.S. Coast Guard.