USGSC Mohawk

RCC provided environmental support for the preparation and deployment of the USCGC Mohawk, a 165-foot U.S. Coast Guard cutter sunk in 2012 in the Gulf of Mexico as the world’s first dedicated Veterans Memorial Artificial Reef.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and decommissioning to remove fuel, oils, hazardous coatings, asbestos, and other regulated materials prior to deployment, ensuring environmental compliance and minimizing ecological impact. RCC supported the deflagging and cleanup process in accordance with TSCA and federal marine disposal requirements.

The Mohawk was successfully deployed upright in 90 feet of water approximately 40 miles offshore. The reef quickly became biologically active, attracting diverse marine life within hours of placement and becoming a destination for divers, anglers, and marine tourism. Subsequent observations documented sightings of whale sharks and rapid reef habitat development, contributing to increased regional visitation and economic uplift.

This project demonstrated RCC’s ability to manage environmental compliance while supporting high-visibility artificial reef deployments with lasting ecological and community benefit.