USCGC Smilax remains the oldest operational USCG cutter since 2011

In April 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard celebrated the eightieth anniversary of the USCGC Bluebell, an inland buoy tender commissioned to aid navigation in the Pacific Northwest. Operating out of Portland, Oregon, this vessel continues to patrol significant waterways, including the Columbia, Willamette, and Snake Rivers. However, the title of the U.S. Coast Guard's 'Queen of the Fleet' belongs to another vessel, the USCGC Smilax, which was commissioned in November 1944 and is recognized as the oldest operational cutter in service. Smilax has focused on navigation assistance, a role that has remained constant since its inception. The vessel was built during World War II and has actively participated in several missions, including search and rescue. This cutter has been integral to the chronicle of the Coast Guard, maintaining its essential duties along North Carolina's Outer Banks. Since 2011, when USCGC Acushnet was decommissioned, Smilax has held its esteemed title, reflecting its reliability and resilience as a vital resource within the Coast Guard fleet. Chief Petty Officer Jordan Bickford, an executive officer aboard Smilax, emphasizes the honor it is to serve on this historic vessel, stating that the Smilax has long been regarded as the Queen of the Fleet. Over the years, it has been involved in numerous navigation and maintenance activities, showcasing its adaptability and longevity. By contrast, the USS Constitution, while being the oldest commissioned warship, is not fully operational, highlighting the unique status of the Smilax not just in the Coast Guard but among military vessels.