This Day in Coast Guard History – July 29

1898- The Revenue Cutter Bear took 97 survivors of whaling vessels, who had been caught in Arctic ice and rescued by the Overland Expedition, and transported them to San Francisco.

1948- Congress approved Public Law 810 allowing retirement pay at age 60 for reservists with 20 years of service.  Some consider this to be the "birth" of the modern Coast Guard Reserve.

1970- The CGC Vigorous became the first 210-foot cutter to cross the Arctic Circle. This took place while she was part of the 1970 Cadet Cruise Squadron.  CDR George Wagner was the commanding officer.

1997- The MLB-44300, the first 44-foot MLB to enter service, suffered an engine casualty in response to a SAR mission conducted for Station Cape Disappointment.  She was retired from duty shortly thereafter.

(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)