Aspen conducts heavy lift aids-to-navigation operations, and law enforcement, homeland security, environmental pollution response, and search and rescue as directed.

[1] She has a single controllable-pitch propeller, which, along with bow and stern thrusters, allows the ship to be maneuvered to set buoys close offshore and in restricted waters.

[1] Aspen was built to replace USCGC Buttonwood, a 180 ft (55 m) Mesquite-class buoy tender, in her area of operations.

During her time on scene, Aspen transited over 13,000 mi (21,000 km) and recovered over 138,000 US gal (520,000 L) of spilled crude oil.

She also serviced 44 navigational buoys and helped Coast Guard Station Golden Gate with 25 hours of small boat response time.

[1] The original Aspen was a 126 ft (38 m) buoy tender that was built by Craig Shipbuilding of Toledo, Ohio and commissioned by the U.S. Lighthouse Service on 8 May 1906.