USCGC Smilax WLIC-315 "Queen of the Fleet" Coffee Mug

USCGC Smilax WLIC-315 is a 100-foot U.S. Coast Guard Cosmos Class Inland Construction Tender, She was commissioned on November 1, 1944. Smilax is the "Queen of the Fleet", as the oldest commissioned Coast Guard Cutter. She is part of the Coast Guard Fifth District. Smilax '​s mission, since her commissioning, has been to service aids to navigation, ensuring the safe navigation of mariners. From her current homeport of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. She is responsible for maintaining 1,226 fixed aids to navigation such as lights and range markers. She is also responsible for 26 buoys throughout the Outer Banks of North Carolina. During her 70 year history she has earned several awards: American Campaign Medal (For World War II Service). World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, & Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. She is still on active service.