Lightship No.83 "Swiftsure"

 
The Lightship No. 83 has made its home in many ports, and has had many names -- first "Blunts Reef," then "San Francisco," then "Relief," and finally "Swiftsure," in the tradition of assuming the name of the nearest lightship station.

"Blunts Reef"
 
Built in 1904 in Camden, New Jersey, the Lightship No. 83 was one of hundreds of floating lighthouses that guided ships and boats safely along American Coasts. After making the journey around South America to California, the No. 83 took her position at the Blunts Reef lightship station off Cape Mendicino.
 

"San Francisco"
 
After almost 30 years at Blunts Reef, she was transferred to the San Francisco lightship station outside the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War II, the Coast Guard recalled lightships to protect American coastlines from submarine attack. The No. 83 was painted grey, was fitted with new deck guns and fold-out bunks for up to 50 crewmen, and patrolled the San Francisco Bay for the Navy.

"Relief"
 
Following the war, the No. 83 returned to lightship duty as the "San Francisco," then was transferred to the Coast Guard District 13 in the Pacific Northwest. Serving the Columbia River, Umatilla Reef, and Swiftsure Banks stations, the No. 83 was a relief vessel at these posts for regular vessels during their yearly maintenance and resupply.
 
"Swiftsure"
In 1961, the Coast Guard retired and decommissioned the L.V. No. 83. Northwest Seaport (then Save Our Ships), purchased the vessel in 1968. In 1996, she was named the "Swiftsure" after Seattle's closest lightship station and to commerate her status as the last remaining lightship to serve at the Swiftsure Banks station.

Today, the Lightship No. 83 is moored at Seattle's Lake Union Park. Northwest Seaport is in the process of a restoration project that includes replacing the wooden deck and restoring the electrical system. Upon completion of the restoration, the Lightship No. 83 will be open to visitors.