History takes work

Restoration & Current Projects

Preservation does not happen by itself. Boats, vehicles, artifacts and exhibits require research, skilled labor, parts, materials, transportation, storage and thousands of volunteer hours.

Restoration at The Last Patrol is also education. Experienced tradespeople, veterans and subject-matter experts work alongside developing volunteers and trainees so knowledge is transferred rather than lost.

Restoration update · August 22, 2026

Bringing 44334 home

Moving a 44-foot steel lifeboat by road takes a custom trailer, a travel lift, a heavy wrecker, a route that clears every bridge, and a crew that has thought about all of it. On August 22 the team lifted 44334 out of the marina, set her on the trailer built for her, and brought her across Toledo to the site where her restoration continues. Click any photo to see it full size.

The custom multi-axle transport trailer built for MLB 44334, lettered with lastpatrol.net A marina travel lift carrying MLB 44334 across the boatyard MLB 44334 being lowered by travel lift onto her trailer Heavy wrecker hitched to the trailer with the bow of 44334 behind it MLB 44334 crossing the Veterans’ Glass City Skyway with a lake freighter below MLB 44334 rolling down the highway on her trailer Heavy wrecker towing MLB 44334 down a tree-lined rural road MLB 44334 arriving on her trailer at her new home, volunteers watching

Watch the move. More on our Videos page and YouTube channel.

Work underway

Pilothouse roof removal

With the boat on site, the first major job was lifting the pilothouse roof off so the structure beneath can be inspected and rebuilt. The roof now sits on its own cradle, where volunteers can work on it at ground level.

A crane truck lifting the pilothouse roof off MLB 44334 The removed pilothouse roof on a wooden cradle with a volunteer working on it MLB 44334 on her trailer with the removed roof section beside her A smiling volunteer working beneath the hull of MLB 44334
A volunteer guides a crane lift during work on MLB 44334's superstructure
Earlier crane work on 44334 — the hands doing the work.
MLB 44334 on stands in the boatyard
44334 on stands in the boatyard, before the move.
Five volunteers standing in front of MLB 44334 on its transport trailer
The crew that brought her home.

Current & developing projects

  • Restoration of USCG 44' Motor Lifeboat 44334
  • Development of Station Liberty facilities and educational programs
  • Preservation and interpretation of military vehicles and ambulances
  • Maritime training platforms and future vessel projects
  • Artifact cataloging, historical research and story preservation
  • Mobile museum, parade and community outreach equipment

How businesses and trades can help

Support does not have to arrive as a check. Fabrication, machining, coatings, electrical work, HVAC, marine services, transportation, materials, tools, engineering, printing, technology and professional services can all move a project forward.

Offer in-kind support

Help build the mission

Saving history takes many hands

Every donation helps preserve history, restore equipment, support youth education, and move Station Liberty closer to becoming a permanent home for veterans, history, and the next generation.

Donate to the missionOne-time or recurring, any amount.
Sponsor a projectBack a specific restoration, program, or piece of equipment.
Offer in-kind supportTrades, materials, and professional services move projects forward.
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Last Patrol Inc · EIN 45-2792770 · Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Sea Cadet color guard in dress whites carrying the service flags