This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History – November 15

1848-Captain Alexander V. Fraser, appointed the first chief of Revenue Marine Bureau in 1843, was detached to proceed around Cape Horn to San Francisco with new brig Lawrence.

1860-The light in the massive stone Minots Ledge Lighthouse, which was built on the original site of the one lost in 1851, was exhibited. Work on the new lighthouse was commenced in 1855 and finished in 1860. "It ranks, by the engineering difficulties surrounding its erection and by the skill and science shown in the details of its construction, among the chief of the great sea-rock lighthouses of the world."

1977-UTB-41332 from Station Cape Disappointment capsized in the Columbia River during a night training exercise.  The UTB sank after the current swept it past the Columbia River Lightship.  Three Coast Guardsmen were killed in the accident: BM3 Greg Morris, BM3 Ray Erb and SN Albin Erickson.

(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)