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Best Cutters of the Best Coast Guard!

Created by The Claw of Knowledge

The stories of the fifteen best ships in Coast Guard history, told with humor, history, and pictures of ships wearing hats. Follow the Coast Guard as it fights pirates, sinks subs, and explores new continents. Watch our cutters save lives, catch spies, and change the world. This is not the Coast Guard you know (assuming you know it at all)!

Latest Updates from Our Project:

WE DID IT!!!!
over 7 years ago – Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 08:32:47 AM

Thank you so much for your support! I'm so excited to make a really awesome book about the Coast Guard's greatest cutters! Right now, I'm busy celebrating, but tomorrow, I'm going to start announcing STRETCH GOALS!

What, pray tell, are stretch goals? Well, those are extra things I'll add to the project depending on how much extra we raise. Things like upgrades to the book itself, or maybe (just sayin') A SECOND, ALL NEW SET OF CHALLENGE COINS. Or, maybe I'll increase the number of cutters I'm including in the book.

I guess we'll find out soon!

THANKS AGAIN!

-Brian

Reward Update!!
over 7 years ago – Fri, Apr 07, 2017 at 06:53:14 PM

You all seem to really like cutters!

Turns out the Warship 618 tier was really popular! It sold out earlier this week, but after some (severe and repeated) prodding, I decided to open up 3 addition slots! That pledge tier comes with a very coveted reward: the chance to pick a cutter that I'll make a Special Tribute page to. Hurry - one of those three slots is already gone! Only two left!

But there's more...

I've also decided to add a reward to the Polar Roller tier! If you pledge for that reward, I'll find a way to work a cutter of your choice into the background of the book somewhere. You'll also get a free signed print of that cutter! It'll be sort of like a Where's Waldo for your favorite boat.

 You all rock! We're almost there - just a little further!

-Brian

50% Funded!
over 7 years ago – Thu, Mar 23, 2017 at 07:24:23 PM

I am truly blown away! Thank you all for your support!

As of tonight, less than a week into the Kickstarter, we're already halfway to our goal of $18,000! And that's good news - because the sooner we hit 100%, the sooner I start rolling out STRETCH GOALS!

What are stretch goals? Stretch goals are additional benefits that I'll add to the final product (and your rewards) if the Kickstarter hits a certain amount above my original goal. To give you a  hint, last time my two stretch goals included upgrading the cover of the book from paperback to hardback, and minting custom Challenge Coins. This time, I'm already planning to put the book in hardback, and I'm already offering Challenge Coins. So what will I offer this time?

I've got a few things in mind. But I'll announce those once we close in on full funding...Gotta pace myself on these announcements!

Anyway, here's a picture of Northland in a scarf.

 

Best Cutter Announcement!
over 7 years ago – Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 08:28:09 PM

First, you all are AMAZING!

Thanks to your pledges, after just 24 hours we're already more than 20% of the way there! So, here goes: I'm going to reveal one of my Best Cutters!

 The Point Welcome! Point Welcome served in the waters of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She shelled Viet Cong positions, supported troops ashore, and intercepted weapons smugglers. Then, one night, in the worst case of friendly fire in U.S. history, she was repeatedly strafed by two U.S. Air Force jets, killing two of her crew, including her CO, and wounding seven others. The tough little ship survived, though, and went on to fight during the Tet Offensive.

Of course, you'll find out more about her and the other Best Cutters as everything begins to unfold. For now, though, in case you missed it, check out my post on the Bear. I just updated it with some new information I uncovered at the National Archives that completely changed part of the story. I don't think anyone realizes how much Bear achieved in World War II - when she was the oldest U.S. naval ship serving outside the United States.

Thanks again! And remember to tell your friends about my project! Everyone needs to hear these stories!

-Brian