The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, also known as America’s Tall Ship, continues to serve as a floating classroom for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Originally built by Blohm & Voss Shipyards in Hamburg, Germany, in 1936, the vessel was initially commissioned as the Horst Wessel to train cadets for the German Navy. Following World War II, it became a war prize and was officially transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard on May 15, 1946.
The Eagle, recognized as one of only five training barques currently in use worldwide, aligns with sister ships such as Romania's Mircea, Portugal's Sagres II, Germany's Gorch Fock, and Russia's Tovarich. "Eagle serves as a seagoing classroom for approximately 175 cadets and instructors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy," reflecting its foundational role in maritime education. As trainees handle over 20,000 square feet of sail and coordinate more than 200 lines, the Eagle's design accommodates rigorous hands-on learning experiences.
The vessel’s historical journey to the U.S. was notable, following Columbus’s trans-Atlantic route and enduring a hurricane before arriving safely in New London, Connecticut. The ship's endurance in harsh weather was further demonstrated during its encounter with a hurricane en route to Bermuda in 1954.
In its esteemed history, the Eagle has participated in several significant events, including OpSail symbiotic with the New York World's Fair in 1964, the United States Bicentennial in 1976, and the centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.
A controversial decision in mid-1976 saw the Eagle's hull adorned with the Coast Guard's iconic "racing stripe," a move lamented by some in the sailing community.
Boasting a steel hull four-tenths of an inch thick and comprising multiple decks, the Eagle combines durability with agility. Its powerplant has evolved from an original Maschinenfabrik-Augsburg-Nurnberg diesel to include a Caterpillar diesel engine since 1980, permitting velocities up to 17 knots under sail. Although lacking armament, the barque remains equipped with radar and sonar systems, serving its educational mission without compromise.
The Eagle's legacy is deeply rooted in both U.S. history and advanced maritime instruction, continuing to symbolize American naval excellence and tradition.