The U.S. Coast Guard confirms the transfer of its last three Island-class patrol boats to the Colombian Navy

On May 16, 2025, the United States Coast Guard confirmed that its last three decommissioned Island-class patrol boats — USCGC Naushon (WPB 1311), USCGC Mustang (WPB 1310), and USCGC Liberty (WPB 1334) — will be transferred to the Colombian Navy through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. This operation marks the definitive end of an era in the U.S. inventory, closing the chapter on a storied class of patrol vessels that played a key role in the nation’s maritime security for decades.

With this transfer, the three vessels will receive a second life in the hands of the Colombian Navy, enhancing its maritime patrol and jurisdictional waters control capabilities. The Naushon, Mustang, and Liberty were built at Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana, and were specifically designed for the U.S. Coast Guard to replace the aging Point- and Cape-class vessels.

The Naushon was commissioned on October 3, 1986, and decommissioned on March 21, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. The Mustang entered service on August 29, 1986, and was retired on April 16, 2025, in Seward, Alaska. The Liberty was commissioned on August 4, 1989, and decommissioned on April 29, 2025, in Valdez, Alaska.

Throughout their long service, Island-class patrol boats stood out for their participation in coastal patrol missions, search and rescue (SAR), counter-narcotics operations, and combating illegal fishing, operating in both domestic and international theaters. Their robust design and technical performance made them a reliable platform for a wide range of operational challenges.

Each patrol boat is powered by two diesel engines — Paxman Valenta 16RP 200M in series A and B, or Caterpillar 3516 DITA in series C — enabling speeds of up to 30 knots and a range of 3,380 nautical miles at 8 knots. Their high-strength steel hulls, combined with aluminum superstructures, comfortably accommodate a crew of two officers and fourteen enlisted sailors. As for armament, they are equipped with a 25 mm Mk-38 cannon and two .50 caliber machine guns, providing basic defensive capability suitable for patrol duties.

Over the years, various countries have incorporated Island-class patrol boats through sales or transfers similar to the EDA program. These vessels are currently in active service with the maritime forces of Georgia, Costa Rica, Greece, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Tunisia, extending their operational life beyond U.S. shores.

Image credits: U.S. Department of Defense

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