[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 74 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5712-S5713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DECOMISSIONING OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD CUTTER ``MACKINAW''

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the U.S. Coast 
Guard cutter Mackinaw--WAGB 83--and her crew for their years of service 
to the United States, the State of Michigan, and the Great Lakes. 
Today, after 62 years of service, the Mackinaw's commissioning pennant 
will be lowered, and the Coast Guard will pass the honor of keeping the 
Great Lake's shipping lanes open to her namesake and legacy, the new 
U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw--WLBB-30.
  On March 20, 1943, construction of the Mackinaw began at the Toledo 
Ship Building Company. When commissioned on December 20, 1944, the 
Mackinaw was the most powerful icebreaker in the world. The ship 
measures 269 feet from bow to stern, and it is still the largest cutter 
in the Great Lakes. The ``Big Mac,'' as it is affectionately known, set 
the standard for other icebreakers to live up to.
  The Mackinaw began her service at the end of 1944 breaking ice and 
keeping the shipping lanes open to ensure the flow of steel during 
World War II. The cutter's design was state of the art and gave her the 
ability to break channels 70 feet wide through 4 feet of ice. The 
Mackinaw once broke through an astonishing 37 feet of ice. During her 
first season she made 17 passes through the Straits of Mackinac.
  While the Big Mac's primary mission was to keep the shipping lanes 
open during the winter months, she also conducted search and rescue, 
aid to navigation, law enforcement, and public relations missions. On a 
tragic day in 1965, the U.S. Cedarville and Norwegian Topdalsfjord 
collided in Lake Huron, and the Mackinaw rushed to aid survivors and 
take on casualties. When performing its primary mission from December 
to April, the Mackinaw's motto is ``we move ships when no one else 
will.'' In 1948, the Mackinaw freed 12 ice-locked ships in Buffalo, 
N.Y., and in 1984 opened a channel through the St. Clair River Ice Jam 
freeing 13 vessels stuck in the ice and opening a passage for 75 other 
freighters waiting for passage. For these and other feats, the Mackinaw 
also became know as the ``Great White Mother.''

[[Page S5713]]

  Today, I also pay tribute to the men and women, past and present, who 
have served on the Mackinaw. The Big Mac and its crew spent many months 
away from home from home in the bitter cold navigating the frigid 
waters of the Great Lakes. This was often lonely duty for her crew, but 
the Big Mac's efforts were crucial to keep Great Lakes commerce moving 
during the winter months.
  The ``Big Mac'' is being replaced but not forgotten. I am pleased 
that the Big Mac will remain in Michigan as an attraction and 
educational experience so that everyone can enjoy the wonders of this 
legendary ice breaker. The new Mackinaw will perform as an icebreaker 
and will also maintain navigational aids. I am sad to see the Big Mac 
retired but am excited the torch will pass on to such a fine ship.
  The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw and its crew have done a 
remarkable job over the years. I thank them for their service to their 
country, Michigan and the Great Lakes. Finally, I say thank you and 
goodbye to the Big Mac.

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