USCGC BASSWOOD

USCGC Basswood (WLB-388) was a Cactus-class 180-foot seagoing buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Initially assigned to the Pacific theater during World War II, she served by maintaining aids to navigation, supporting convoy operations, and conducting search and rescue missions. Throughout the Cold War era, Basswood played a crucial role in servicing navigation aids across the Pacific, including the Mariana Islands and Micronesia, and participated in atomic testing support at Bikini Atoll. The cutter remained active until her decommissioning in 1998, marking over five decades of distinguished service.