Mission:

The Tug Comanche Historical Rescue Foundation is dedicated to the preservation, operation, and public interpretation of the historic tug USCGC Comanche (WMEC-202).

Our mission is grounded in three principles:

1. Preservation Through Operation

We maintain that historic vessels are best preserved as functioning systems. By keeping Comanche operational, we preserve not only its structure, but also the knowledge, skills, and lived experience required to operate and maintain maritime technology.

2. Accessibility and Education

We aim to provide meaningful public access to maritime history, focusing on the working ships and crews that are often overlooked in favor of larger or more famous vessels. Comanche represents the backbone of naval and coast guard operations: the ships that did the work.

3. Practical Stewardship

We operate with a commitment to realism and sustainability. Preservation efforts must account for regulatory requirements, environmental responsibility, and financial constraints. Our approach prioritizes long-term viability over short-term visibility.

Core Objectives

Maintain Comanche in a safe, operable condition

Secure stable moorage and haulout access for ongoing maintenance

Develop educational programs and public engagement opportunities

Build partnerships with maritime organizations, industry, and government

Establish sustainable funding through donations, grants, and events

Long-Term Vision

The foundation seeks to establish Comanche as a fully operational historical platform capable of:

Hosting educational tours and demonstrations

Supporting maritime training and hands-on learning

Participating in regional events and heritage programs

Serving as a living example of mid-century maritime engineering

More broadly, the organization aims to create a replicable model for preserving other at-risk working vessels that fall outside traditional museum frameworks.