USRC Forward (1882)

The USRC Forward  was a revenue cutter constructed for the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service in 1882 by Pusey & Jones shipyard in Wilmington, Delaware. The iron-hulled vessel originally cost $72,750 and was powered by a 2-cylinder steam engine with 2 screws. She was named in honor of Walter Forward, 15th Secretary of the Treasury.

Although the Forward was considered a model ship at the time of its construction, it was severely underpowered and had unreliable machinery. The cost of repairs in the first 15 years of operation was $52000. Her homeport from 1882 to 1887 was Mobile, Alabama where she patrolled the Gulf of Mexico enforcing customs laws and assisting mariners in distress. After undergoing repairs in 1890 she was transferred to Key West, Florida. In 1898, Charleston, South Carolina was homeport until she returned to Key West in 1904. One cruise was made to Havana, Cuba in 1905 and afterwards she returned once more to Key West to serve until decommissioned in 1912.