SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Former US Coast Guard Cutter John Midgett, transferred to Vietnam

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to James Tilley for the photo. Seen off West Seattle on Thursday, that’s the former USCGC John Midgett, now in the service of the Vietnam Coast Guard. The photo helped solve a mystery we couldn’t solve two months ago, Lynn Hall photographed it before the repainting was complete:

At the time, we weren’t able to dig up the backstory (though the ship was flying the flag of Vietnam by then). The transfer has been in the works for at least a year and a half, according to this report, which says it’s the second US Coast Guard cutter given to Vietnam. This report says some of the work on the 378-foot cutter was done at Lake Union Drydock Company. The transfer was via the Foreign Military Financing program, this report notes. As USCGC John Midgett, the 1971-built ship was homeported in Seattle.

McKayla May 21, 2021 (4:37 pm)

Lol, that ship and I had an awkward “after you, no after you” stand off in the Straight of Juan de Fuca during it’s sea trial yesterday.

22blades May 21, 2021 (7:39 pm)

That’s a good looking ship. Hope it serves the Socialist Republic of Vietnam well.

Shawn May 21, 2021 (7:55 pm)

I’m sure it will serve Vietnam very well. It will help Vietnam defend their waterways against illegal Chinese fishing. Also help boaters in distress.

Former USCG GM3 D. Quigley May 21, 2021 (8:27 pm)

I was on the commissioning crew of the USCGC Cutter Midgett. Looks like a different main battery, my old 5”38 caliber has been replaced.

Ginger May 21, 2021 (10:42 pm)

Thank you very much for your Service!
Joel May 23, 2021 (4:00 am)

It’s now a Mk 75/ 76mm Oto Melara. Same kind used to be on Navy FFGs

Andrew Paul Eppink May 23, 2021 (4:10 am)

I was on the CGC Confidence (210′) on the Bering Sea in the late ’60’s. I was always jealous of the 378′ ers which are prettier, bigger vessels. We rolled like crazy In the Bering Sea. Had to rig educators off the main fire pump to greater the engineroom blige. They weren’t designed for it.

Andrew Paul Eppink May 23, 2021 (4:15 am)

dewater

Wally Cutchin May 23, 2021 (9:37 am)

I was part of the recommisining crew in 1992. We were a tight and solid crew. Most of my boot camp company received orders to the MIDGETT. We were soon made into sailors through the salty leadership of our Capt. Ned Kiley and our “sea daddy” Chief Bill Sheretz. Thanks to Bill for being the best “Chief”. He was the backbone of that crew for sure!