The USCGC Bollard (WLM-561) is a United States Coast Guard Cutter, specifically a Keeper-class Coastal Buoy Tender. She is designed to service aids to navigation (ATON) along coastal and inland waterways, ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime commerce.
Overview
- Class: Keeper-class Coastal Buoy Tender
- Type: WLM (Coastal Buoy Tender)
- Hull Number: WLM-561
- Status: Active service
- Homeport: Homer, Alaska
History and Design The Keeper-class, also known as the WLM-551 to WLM-561 class, comprises 14 vessels built to replace the aging fleet of 100-foot-class buoy tenders. Constructed by Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisconsin, the class was designed for a 30-year service life. USCGC Bollard was the eleventh vessel in the class to be commissioned, entering service in 1999.
The class is named for various types of navigational aids or maritime terminology, reflecting their primary mission. A "bollard" is a strong, short, vertical post used on ships and docks for securing mooring lines.
Mission and Capabilities The primary mission of USCGC Bollard, like other Keeper-class cutters, is the maintenance and servicing of aids to navigation. This includes:
- Buoy Tender Operations: Deploying, recovering, and servicing buoys, ranging from small river buoys to large coastal buoys. This involves lifting heavy buoys onto the deck for repair, cleaning, and replacement of batteries or lights.
- Light Station Support: Maintaining lighthouses and other fixed navigation structures.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): Conducting emergency response operations, including assisting vessels in distress and recovering persons in the water.
- Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE): Enforcing federal laws and treaties in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including fisheries protection and drug interdiction.
- Environmental Protection: Responding to oil spills and other pollution incidents, and enforcing environmental regulations.
- Homeland Security: Contributing to port, waterway, and coastal security missions.
General Characteristics (Keeper-class)
- Displacement: Approximately 840 long tons (full load)
- Length: 175 feet (53 m)
- Beam: 36 feet (11 m)
- Draft: 8.5 feet (2.6 m)
- Propulsion: Two Caterpillar 3508TA diesel engines, two controllable pitch propellers
- Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
- Range: Approximately 2,000 nautical miles
- Crew: 24 personnel (including officers and enlisted)
- Armament: Two .50 caliber machine guns
- Deck Equipment: A 20,000-pound (9,100 kg) capacity crane for buoy handling.
USCGC Bollard's deployment in Alaska highlights her role in maintaining navigation in challenging and often remote Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, which are crucial for commercial fishing, shipping, and local communities.