USCGC White Pine

• USCGC White Pine (WAGL/WLB-547) was a 133-foot buoy tender built for the U.S. Coast Guard in 1944, originally designed for maintaining aids to navigation. • The vessel was constructed by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Company in Duluth, Minnesota, and launched during the height of World War II. • White Pine was part of the Mesquite-class of buoy tenders, known for their durability and versatility in coastal operations. • During her service, White Pine was stationed at multiple locations, including Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, supporting navigation in the Gulf of Mexico. • In addition to buoy tending, White Pine performed search and rescue, law enforcement, and icebreaking duties throughout her career. • The ship played a critical role in hurricane recovery operations, helping restore vital navigational aids and clearing waterways after storms. • White Pine’s crew participated in numerous life-saving missions, assisting distressed mariners and conducting evacuations during emergencies. • The ship was decommissioned in 1999 after 55 years of continuous service, making her one of the longest-serving buoy tenders in Coast Guard history. • After decommissioning, White Pine was donated to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where she serves as an educational platform and museum ship. • The legacy of USCGC White Pine reflects the Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime safety, adaptability, and service to the nation across decades of change and challenge.