USCGC Citrus (WLB-300)

• Commissioning and Class: USCGC Citrus (WLB-300) was a Cactus-class (A) 180-foot seagoing buoy tender, commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1943 during World War II. • World War II Service: Citrus was built to support wartime navigation and logistics, laying and servicing buoys and other aids to navigation crucial for military and supply convoys. • Post-War Duties: After WWII, Citrus continued peacetime operations, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions in Alaskan and Pacific Northwest waters. • Alaska Station: For much of her career, Citrus was stationed in Alaska, operating in some of the harshest maritime environments, including the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. • Notable Rescue: In 1979, Citrus was involved in the rescue of the crew from the fishing vessel Galaxy near Dutch Harbor, Alaska during a violent storm. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Citrus conducted surveillance and reported on suspicious Soviet shipping activities in the North Pacific region. • Icebreaking Capabilities: Citrus was designed with a reinforced hull for light icebreaking, enabling her to maintain navigational aids and supply remote stations even in icy conditions. • Decommissioning and Transfer: The cutter was decommissioned from the Coast Guard in 1995 and subsequently transferred to the Dominican Republic, where she served as Almirante Juan Alejandro Acosta (C-456). • Namesake: The ship was named "Citrus" as part of the "Cactus" class, following the tradition of naming buoy tenders after plants and trees. • Legacy: USCGC Citrus and her crew earned multiple commendations for meritorious service, reflecting decades of dedicated performance in some of the most challenging maritime environments.