Maritime News

Senate approves $300K for new Coast Guard Academy pier

Professional Mariner Staff
The following is the text of a press release issued by U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.:
 
(WASHINGTON) — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) applauded the Senate’s passage of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which includes funding to begin the construction of a new pier at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Dodd worked to secure $300,000 in federal funding included in the bill to initiate the design and development of this project. The pier will provide the permanent home for the historic tall ship, the EAGLE, which was seized from Germany during World War II.

“This funding will help ensure that the EAGLE has a permanent home in Connecticut at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy,†Senator Dodd said. “This has been a long awaited victory for Connecticut and the Coast Guard, but there is still more work to be done. I will continue fighting to make sure that the Academy has the resources it needs to train the leaders of tomorrow’s United States Coast Guard.â€

For more than 60 years, Eagle Pier was used to berth the Coast Guard Training Vessel EAGLE. However, in recent years, because the aging pier fell into such disrepair, the Coast Guard was forced to homeport the EAGLE at a pier at Fort Trumbull. The EAGLE is currently one of two remaining commissioned sailing vessels in American government service. The other vessel is the USS Constitution anchored in Boston, Massachusetts.

In addition to showcasing a rich history, the EAGLE serves as a modern day seagoing classroom for Coast Guard Cadets, providing hands-on maritime instruction to supplement the student’s rigorous classroom workload.

By Professional Mariner Staff