USCGC Cactus WLB 270 & WLB(O) 270

USCGC **Cactus** (WLB-270) was a United States Coast Guard sea-going buoy tender belonging to the **Cactus-class** (also known as the 180-foot class), launched in 1942 during World War II. Designed for aids to navigation, search and rescue, and logistics, she served along the U.S. East Coast and in various theaters, including support for wartime convoy operations. After the war, Cactus continued peacetime service, performing maintenance of navigational aids, icebreaking, and law enforcement missions until her decommissioning in 1971. Her hull designation was later changed to **WLB(O)-270** to reflect operational status, a designation used for vessels in reserve or awaiting disposal.