USCGC Buttonwood (WLB-306)

• Commissioned During World War II: USCGC Buttonwood (WLB-306) was commissioned on September 24, 1943, serving as a 180-foot Cactus-class buoy tender during a critical period of global conflict. • Pacific Theater Service: During World War II, Buttonwood was assigned to the Pacific, where she maintained aids to navigation in support of U.S. naval and amphibious operations. • Survived Typhoon Louise: In October 1945, Buttonwood survived the devastating Typhoon Louise at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, a storm that sank or damaged hundreds of vessels. • Atomic Testing Support: In 1946, Buttonwood participated in Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll, helping to set up navigation buoys for atomic bomb testing. • Multiple Homeports: Over her career, Buttonwood was homeported in various locations, including San Francisco, Honolulu, and Galveston, reflecting her versatile service. • Search and Rescue: Beyond tending buoys, Buttonwood was frequently involved in search and rescue missions, assisting stranded or disabled vessels across vast Pacific waters. • Vietnam War Service: Buttonwood supported Operation Market Time in the Vietnam War, deploying to Southeast Asia to help prevent the movement of enemy supplies by sea. • Longest-Serving Cactus-Class Tender: When decommissioned in 2001, Buttonwood was one of the last operational ships of her class, having served for nearly 58 years. • Transfer to Dominican Navy: After decommissioning, Buttonwood was transferred to the Dominican Republic, where she served as Almirante Didiez Burgos (BM-301). • Decorated Service: Buttonwood received numerous awards, including the World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal, reflecting her wide-ranging contributions.