On 19 June, 1991 at 

A ceremony at the Coast Guard Base Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina the United States Coast Guard Cutter CHILULA was officially retired. These final words by Captain William R. Wilkens, USCG, representing Vice Admiral Howard B. Thorsen, USCG, Commander Atlantic Area as he addressed the gathering and crew were befitting.

"As you cross that gangway for the final time your going to feel a little bit of emptiness which is rightfully so, because each crew member of CHILULA leaves a part of himself onboard CHILULA. It's been your knowledge, your dedication, and just plain hard work that's allowed CHILULA to amass the record she has over the last two years. You gave your very best to the Coast Guard Cutter CHILULA. She has served you, the Coast Guard and our nation very well. We simply couldn't ask for anything more. At the same time as part of CHILULA' s heritage, its going to lay ashore with each of the final crew. We're decommissioning the ship today but as long as seaman, retired Senior Chief Richter who I mentioned, Commander Muller her final Commanding Officer, Boatswain Mate First Class Hall or Fireman Crawford continue to walk the earth, CHILULA's memories are going to live on. Over the past 201 years the Coast Guard has amassed a proud tradition, a proud history. CHILULA today is about to take her place in that history."

CAPTAIN WILLIAM R. WIKENS, USCG

Again, our thanks to William Guthrie for submitting this information