USCGC Gasconade (WLR-75401)

• Origins and Name: USCGC Gasconade (WLR-75401) is named after the Gasconade River in Missouri, following the tradition of naming river buoy tenders after American rivers. • Class and Design: Gasconade is a 75-foot river buoy tender, part of the US Coast Guard's 75-foot class, built specifically for operations on inland waterways. • Year Commissioned: She was commissioned in 1965 and has served for decades, making her one of the long-serving vessels in her class. • Shipyard: Gasconade was constructed by the Barbour Boat Works in New Bern, North Carolina, known for building numerous Coast Guard cutters. • Homeport: Her homeport is St. Louis, Missouri, strategically located for maintaining navigation aids along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. • Primary Mission: The vessel's main role is to maintain aids to navigation (ATON), ensuring safe passage for commercial and recreational vessels on the inland waterways. • Unique Features: Gasconade operates with a push-tow configuration, using a separate 90-foot barge for carrying equipment, buoys, and supplies. • Multi-Mission Capability: Although primarily a buoy tender, Gasconade is also equipped for search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental response missions. • Community Engagement: The crew of Gasconade has participated in public outreach events such as river festivals and educational tours, strengthening ties with local communities. • Longevity and Legacy: Over her decades of service, Gasconade has adapted to technological advances while maintaining her core mission, exemplifying the Coast Guard’s commitment to safety and navigation on America’s rivers.