Pre World War II

The USCGC Campbell was designed as one of the toughest fighting ships in the Coast Guard. Along with her seven sister ships the cutter was first armed with two 5-inch 51-caliber guns and three 6 pound guns. During reign in the sea the USCGC Campbell would acquire a greater amount of equipment and fire power.


  • September, 1936, continuing naval presence in European waters. The USCGC Campbell receives an order to relieve the Cayuga, days before the vessel will leave on a shakedown cruise. The order to rebuked by the current Coast Guard Commandant, captain Admiral Waesche.
  • The USCGC Campbell, under the command of Commodore John S. Baylis is sent on a shakedown cruise to Azores and England. After returning back the USCGC Campbell is sent to port in New York.
  • The USCGC Campbell and Bibb become part of Captain Louis E. Denfeld's Divisions 18, creating the north section of the Neutrality Patrol. The Neutrality Patrol was ordered by the president on September 5, 1939.
  • November, 1939 the Destroyer Division 18 is moved to the Gulf of Mexico. The previous location became too active for the destroyers.
  • In early 1940 the Campbell, along with her sister ships are assigned to weather patrol
  • In April of 1940, the Campbell received a 3-inch gun, machine guns and small arms. The USCGC Campbell assisted the Comanche in protecting Greenland. During this time 14 men from the Campbell crew accepted discharges to man 3-inch gun and train Greenlanders with the use of other weapons.
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    Last updated: 14 October 1996
    URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~r317doc/327/campre.html
    Comments: Underwater Science Program
    Copyright 1996, The Trustees of Indiana University