SNAME announced that the USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30), a 240-ft vessel designed and built by Marinette Marine Corporation (a FINCANTIERI company), has been designated the SNAME Ship of the Month for June, 2010.
The USCGC Mackinaw is a heavy icebreaker operating in the North American Great Lakes for the United States Coast Guard. She should not be confused with her predecessor, USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83), which was decommissioned on June 10, 2006.
Mackinaw was delivered to the Coast Guard on November 18, 2005 and commissioned on June 10, 2006. In addition to her ice-breaking duties, the Mackinaw also serves as an Aids to Navigation platform, performing the same duties as the Seagoing Buoy Tenders (WLB) of the Coast Guard fleet. Mackinaw’s other roles include Marine Environmental Protection and Search and Rescue.
One of the Mackinaw's many unique features is the use of two azimuthing ABB Azipods for main propulsion. These podded propulsor units coupled with a bow thruster make the ship exceptionally maneuverable.
Numerous SNAME members contributed to the Design and Construction of the USCGC Mackinaw, WLBB-30. Marinette Marine Corporation, based in Marinette, Wisconsin, employs well over a dozen SNAME Members.