USCGC Spar (WLB-403)

The USCGC Spar (WLB-403) was a United States Coast Guard seagoing buoy tender. She was the third of the Cactus-class vessels, designed for servicing aids to navigation and icebreaking duties. Spar was commissioned on 12 November 1944 and served for over 50 years, before being decommissioned on 28 February 1997.

Spar operated primarily in the Pacific Ocean throughout her career. She was initially assigned to the 12th Coast Guard District, based in Alameda, California. Later, she was homeported in Kodiak, Alaska, where she spent the majority of her service maintaining buoys and lightships along the Alaskan coast. She also participated in search and rescue operations and assisted in icebreaking during harsh winters.

The Cactus-class buoy tenders were known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Spar was equipped with a reinforced hull for icebreaking and a powerful buoy handling system. Her primary mission was to maintain the extensive network of aids to navigation essential for safe maritime traffic.

Following her decommissioning, Spar was transferred to the Republic of Cape Verde in 1997, where she was renamed Barlavento (P 521). She continued to serve in the Cape Verdean Coast Guard, providing maritime security and support.