USCG seagoing buoy tender

The U.S. Coast Guard has maintained a fleet of seagoing buoy tenders dating back to its origins in the U.S. Lighthouse Service (USLHS).

[3] Built from 1942 to 1943 by Marietta Manufacturing Company, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, these 188-foot (57 m) U.S Army mine planters were designed for diesel engines but low pressure steam plants were installed instead.

Five vessels were later transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard and refitted as the Jonquil class of buoy tenders were after World War II.

Two classes of purpose-built, rather than refitted mine planters, Coast Guard seagoing buoy tenders have been produced.

Today, the Junipers conduct almost as much law enforcement as aid to navigation work; they are also outfitted to handle oil spill recovery, search and rescue, homeland security, and some ice breaking operations.