One of the most storied vessels in American maritime history arrived in Newport today, with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle docking at State Pier #9 for free public tours running through Monday, August 3.
The 295-foot, three-masted barque — known as “America’s Tall Ship” — is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes and the only active square-rigger in United States government service. Her 23 sails span more than 22,000 square feet, her tallest mast rises 150 feet — roughly the height of a 15-story building — and six miles of rigging keep it all together. Built of steel, she weighs 1,655 tons and can reach 17 knots under sail.
The Eagle’s history is as remarkable as her specs. She was built at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany in 1936 and commissioned as the Horst Wessel, one of three sail-training ships operated by the pre-World War II German navy. At the close of World War II, the United States took her as a war reparation, re-commissioned her as the USCGC Eagle, and sailed her to New London, Connecticut, which has been her permanent homeport ever since. She has hosted Presidents Truman, Kennedy, and Nixon aboard.
Today, the Eagle’s primary mission is training future Coast Guard officers. Every U.S. Coast Guard officer commissioned since the 1940s has sailed aboard her, spending at least six weeks learning seamanship, navigation, and leadership. She carries a working crew of 55 and can accommodate up to 239 people.
Newport is the Eagle’s final port of call before she returns home to New London on August 14, wrapping up a 106-day journey along the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico that included stops in Savannah, Pensacola, New Orleans, Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City, Boston, and Portland. The visit is part of Rhode Island’s America 250 celebrations.
Captain Kristopher Ensley, who took command of the Eagle in June 2025, is at the helm. U.S. Senator Jack Reed will welcome Captain Ensley and the crew dockside this morning and deliver remarks aboard the ship later in the day.
Free public tours are available at State Pier #9, directly west of and abutting Mary Ferrazoli Park, through August 3. For tour schedules and updates, follow @barqueeagle on Instagram.
