USCGC Balsam (LWB 62)

USCGC Balsam (WLB-62) was a United States Coast Guard seagoing buoy tender commissioned in 1944. Built as part of the Cactus-class (or A-class) during World War II, Balsam served in the Pacific Theater, performing vital navigational aid, search and rescue, and convoy escort missions. After the war, she continued to serve in various locations, including Alaska and Hawaii, maintaining aids to navigation and supporting law enforcement and environmental missions. Decommissioned in 1976, Balsam was later transferred to the Philippine Navy, where she served as BRP Kalinga (AG-89).