Editing Keeper-class cutter

{{Short description|U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender class}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin|sclass=2}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = USCGC Henry Blake near Portland.jpg
| Ship caption = USCGC ''Henry Blake'', the 13th Keeper-class ship launched
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = Keeper class
| Builders = Marinette Marine Corporation
| Operators = {{shipboxflag|United States|coast guard}}United States Coast Guard
| Class before = *{{sclass2|White|buoy tender|4}}
* [[Red-class cutter|Red class]]
| Class after = 
| Subclasses = 
| Cost = 
| Built range = 1995–1999
| In service range = 
| In commission range = 
| Total ships building = 
| Total ships planned = 
| Total ships completed = 14
| Total ships cancelled = 
| Total ships active = 
| Total ships laid up = 
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| Total ships retired = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship type = Coastal [[buoy tender]]
| Ship displacement = {{convert|850|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} full load
| Ship length = {{convert|175|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|36|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship draft = {{convert|8|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship power = {{convert|2,000|hp|abbr=on}} sustained
| Ship propulsion = 2 × Caterpillar 3508 DITA diesel engines; bow thruster, {{convert|500|hp|0|abbr=on}}
| Ship speed = {{convert|12|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = {{cvt|2000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn}}
| Ship complement = 
| Ship sensors = 
| Ship EW = 
| Ship armament = 
| Ship armor = 
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''Keeper class''' of coastal [[buoy tender]]s consists of fourteen ships built for and operated by the [[United States Coast Guard]].  The ships were launched between 1995 and 1999 and all remain in active service.  Their primary mission is to maintain thousands of [[Navigational aid|aids to navigation]], both buoys and land-based.  Their secondary missions include [[U.S. Coast Guard environmental protection|marine environmental protection]], search and rescue, law enforcement, and light [[Icebreaker|ice-breaking]].   

The Keeper-class ships play a specific role in the Coast Guard's buoy tender fleet.  They are primarily deployed to coastal areas such as [[New York Harbor]], [[Chesapeake Bay]], and [[Puget Sound]], while the seagoing tenders of the [[USCG seagoing buoy tender|''Juniper'' class]] handle more off-shore areas, and inland tenders are assigned to the nation's large river systems.   

== Origins and procurement ==
In 1991, the average age of the twelve Coast Guard coastal buoy tenders approached 40 years, and the oldest was 52 years old.  Maintenance costs on these vessels were growing quickly, and reliability was decreasing.  One {{sclass2|White|buoy tender|0}} ship underwent emergency dry-docking to replace hull plates that had nearly rusted through.<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtgeAQAAMAAJ&q=wlm |title=Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1992: Hearings Before the Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate |last2= |first2= |date=1977 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-037250-6 |pages=530–534 |language=en}}</ref>  The obsolescence of the coastal buoy tender fleet came as no surprise, since some had been built during [[World War II]], but it took several years for the Coast Guard, its parent agency at the time, the [[United States Department of Transportation|Department of Transportation]], Congress, and private shipyards to deliver a solution.   

The coastal buoy tender replacement project originated in the Operations Directorate of Coast Guard Headquarters.  The sponsor requirements documents generated there formed the basis for the work done by the Acquisitions Directorate.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=DiNicola |first=Commander Peter J. |date=July 1997 |title=The New Keeper Class WLM |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a-o6AQAAMAAJ&dq=%22coast+guard%22+%22keeper+class%22&pg=RA2-PA19 |journal=Proceedings of the Marine Safety Council |volume=54 |issue=3 |pages=12–19}}</ref>  At this point, existing Federal Government regulations, notably [[Office of Management and Budget]] Circular A-109 dealing with major systems acquisition, specified much of the contracting process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Effect of OMB Circular A-109 on Major Systems Acquisition and Use of Competitive Procurement in the Department of Defense {{!}} U.S. GAO |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/110830 |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=www.gao.gov |language=en}}</ref>   

The project was reviewed by the Transportation Systems Acquisition and Review Council and approved on 25 March 1992.  Congress enacted $23 million for the first stage of acquisition in the FY 1993 budget.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Faram |first=Mark D. |date=26 October 1992 |title=Coast Guard budget stays the course in '93 |pages=27 |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1590F5C3763F48A3%40GB3NEWS-1781E72A6FC6B21C%402448922-1781DD6FA919DF62%4026-1781DD6FA919DF62%40?h=8&fname=&mname=&lname=&kwinc=%22buoy%20tender%22&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1992&rgtoDate=1993&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=hkyvkerrsnlqlojzjxzundvaiyintcvz_wma-gateway019_1691704316902}}</ref>  On 1 July 1992 a request for proposals was issued to the shipbuilding industry.  On 12 March 1993 the technical and cost evaluations of the proposals were completed.  On 17 May 1993 final contract negotiations were completed.  On 1 June 1993 the [[Commandant of the Coast Guard]] issued a document titled "WLM(R) Circular of Requirements", specifying major aspects of the ships' design.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Sprague |first1=Chester M. |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA321927.pdf |title=Fire Safety Analysis of the 175' WLM(R) Coastal Buoy Tender |last2=Holmstedt |first2=Herbert A. |last3=Romberg |first3=Betty H. |last4=Dolph |first4=Brian L. |date=November 1996 |publisher=CompuCon |pages=B-61}}</ref>  On 22 June 1993, a contract was awarded to [[Fincantieri Marinette Marine|Marinette Marine Corporation]] to build the ships.<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eU9Bk8yaflwC&dq=%22coastal+buoy+tender%22+%22request+for+proposals%22&pg=RA2-PA577-IA1 |title=Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1995: Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundred Third Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 4556, an Act Making Appropriations for the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1995, and for Other Purposes |date=1995 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-046724-0 |pages=576 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=24 June 1993 |title=Coast Guard Awards contract for construction of new buoy tender |work=US Department of Transportation News |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xLIgAQAAMAAJ&dq=%22coast+guard%22+Keeper+%22marinette+marine%22+contract&pg=PP541}}</ref>  Aspects of the acquisition process were criticized by the [[Government Accountability Office|General Accounting Office]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/rced-92-156.pdf |title=Coastal Buoy Tender Acquisition Project Did Not Follow Federal Guidelines |date=May 1992 |publisher=General Accounting Office}}</ref>   

The contract was a firm order for detailed design and the production of the lead vessel in the class, {{ship|USCGC|Ida Lewis}}, at a fixed cost of $22 million plus various performance incentives, with options for thirteen more ships, spare parts, and training.  If all options in the contract were exercised by the Coast Guard, the total value of the deal was $291 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 June 1993 |title=Marintte fime wins $22 million contract |pages=14 |work=Daily Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/244924962/?terms=Marinette%20%22coast%20guard%22&match=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/r5cg7002.pdf |title=Monitoring of Seagoing and Coastal Buoy Tender Construction |date=24 January 1997 |publisher=Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General}}</ref>  The Coast Guard  exercised options for three additional ships on 7 February 1996,<ref name=":22">{{Cite journal |last1=O'Brien |first1=Christina T. |last2=Thornton |first2=Lt. Chris |date=January 1996 |title=New Life |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2IHhu-STif0C&dq=%22coast+guard%22+%22keeper+class%22&pg=PA4 |journal=Commandant's Bulletin |pages=3–5}}</ref> six more ships in February 1997,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 February 1997 |title=Marinette Marine gets big contract |pages=6 |work=Leader-Telegram |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/361556503/?terms=Marinette%20Marine}}</ref> and the final four in September 1997.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 September 1997 |title=Coast Guard Orders four more cutters from Marinette Marine |pages=7 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/190672452/?terms=%22ida%20lewis%22%20%22coast%20guard%22&match=1}}</ref>   

At the time of the contract award, the Coast Guard announced its intentions to replace the eleven White-class and {{sclass2|Red|cutter|0}} cutters still in service with the fourteen keeper-class ships.  This saved maintenance expenses on the aging ships, and also significantly reduced personnel requirements through the introduction of advanced technology.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JgpMAQAAIAAJ&dq=WLM(R)+%22coast+Guard%22&pg=PA398 |title=Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1993: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board |date=1992 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-039599-4 |pages=398–399 |language=en}}</ref>  While the Keeper class launched with a crew of 18, the Red and White-class buoy tenders they replaced had crews of 32 and 24, respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Faram |first=Mark D. |date=22 November 1993 |title=New tender due in '96 |pages=32 |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1590F5C3763F48A3%40GB3NEWS-17815B371245709A%402449314-177F26F7142B5298%4031?fname=&mname=&lname=&rgfromDate=1993&rgtoDate=1993&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&kwinc=%22Keeper%20class%22&kwexc=&sid=lrwjjoemoelibxccuoxcaqflbthqpjdk_wma-gateway012_1691703507086}}</ref>  

As the Coast Guard planned to replace its coastal buoy tender fleet, it also needed to replace its seagoing buoy tenders.  This fleet also consisted of World War II ships that had served beyond their original design life.  Thus, the history of the Keeper class is entwined with the seagoing ''Juniper'' class in a number of ways.  Since the Coast Guard was replacing almost all of its saltwater buoy tender fleet, it considered the mix between seagoing and coastal tenders.  This resulted in a buoy tender fleet with more of the smaller, cheaper Keeper-class ships, and fewer of the more expensive seagoing ships.<ref name=":5" />  Since both classes were designed in the same time period, they adopted similar technical solutions, such as [[Z-drive]] propulsion.  All ships of both classes were built by Marinette Marine, and the construction overlapped.  The Coast Guard placed a 60-person Project Resident Office on site at Marinette's shipyard to monitor and facilitate these two concurrent construction programs.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=DiNicola |first=Commander Peter J. |date=June 1997 |title=The New Keeper Class WLM: The Future Has Arrived |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8RSpA1G35s4C&dq=%22coast+guard%22+Keeper+%22marinette+marine%22+contract&pg=RA1-PA32 |journal=The Bulletin |volume=59 |issue=3 |pages=32–34}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTZOVuIJdT8C&dq=WLM+crew+%22Coast+guard%22&pg=PA569 |title=Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1995: Department of Transportation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |date=1994 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-046724-0 |pages=569 |language=en}}</ref>

== Construction and characteristics ==
All fourteen ships of the Keeper class were built at Marinette Marine's shipyard in [[Marinette, Wisconsin]].  Their hulls were built of welded steel plates.  The ships are {{Convert|175|ft|m}} long, with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{Convert|36|ft|m}}, and a full-load [[Draft (hull)|draft]] of {{Convert|8|ft|m}}.<ref name=":15" />  They [[Displacement (ship)|displace]] 850 long tons fully loaded.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=DiNicola |first=Commander Peter J. |year=1997 |title=The New Keeper Class WLM |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a-o6AQAAMAAJ&dq=%22coast+guard%22+%22keeper+class%22&pg=RA2-PA19 |journal=Proceedings of the Marine Safety Council |volume=54 |issue=3 |pages=12–19}}</ref>  Their [[gross tonnage]] is 904, and their [[net tonnage]] is 271.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCG Maritime Information Exchange |url=https://cgmix.uscg.mil/PSIX/PSIXSearch.aspx |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=cgmix.uscg.mil}}</ref>  The top of the mast is {{Convert|58.75|ft|m}} above the waterline.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |url=https://imlive.s3.amazonaws.com/Federal%20Government/ID123864553738997015602050111672157759592/Attachment%202%20-%20Work%20Specification.pdf |title=USCGC HARRY CLAIBORNE (WLM 561) SPECIFICATION FOR DRYDOCK REPAIRS |publisher=Surface Forces Logistics Center, United States Coast Guard |year=2021}}</ref>

Rather than building the ships from the keel up as a single unit, Marinette Marine used a modular fabrication approach.  Eight large modules, or "hull blocks" were built separately and then welded together.<ref name=":15">{{Cite journal |last1=O'Brien |first1=Christina T. |last2=Thornton |first2=Lt. Chris |date=January 1996 |title=New Life |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2IHhu-STif0C&dq=%22coast+guard%22+%22keeper+class%22&pg=PA4 |journal=Commandant's Journal |pages=2–5}}</ref>

[[File:Z-drives on Keeper-class buoy tender.png|thumb|Z-drives on a Keeper-class ship]]

The ships have two [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] 3508 DITA ([[Fuel injection|direct-injection]], [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]], [[Intercooler|aftercooled]]) 8-cylinder [[Diesel engine|diesel engines]] which produce {{convert|1000|hp|lk=on}} each.  These drive two [[Ulstein Group|Ulstein]] Z-drives. Keeper-class ships were the first Coast Guard cutters equipped with Z-drives, which markedly improved their maneuverability.<ref name=":22" />  The Z-drives have four-bladed propellers which are {{Convert|57.1|in|cm}} in diameter<ref name=":4" /> and are equipped with [[Ducted propeller|Kort nozzles]].  They can be operated in "tiller mode" where the Z-drives turn in the same direction to steer the ship, or in "Z-conn mode" where the two Z-drives can turn in different directions to achieve specific maneuvering objectives.  An implication of the Z-drives is that there is no reverse gear or rudder aboard Keeper-class ships.  In order to back a ship, the Z-drives are turned 180 degrees which drives a ship stern-first even though the propellers are spinning in the same direction as they do when the ship is moving forward.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Portals/3/Documents/ttp/downloads/Keeper_Class_WLM-175_Operational_Guide_for_Ice_Operations_SFLC-NASEC-011-001.pdf |title=175-ft WLM Keeper Class Guide for Ice Operations |date=July 2011 |publisher=US Coast Guard |location=Baltimore, Maryland}}</ref>  Their maximum speed is {{convert|12|kn|lk=in}}.<ref name=":22" />  Their tanks can hold {{convert|16,385|USgal}} of diesel fuel<ref name=":4" /> which gives them an unrefueled range of {{convert|2000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=Ships and Aircraft of the United States Fleet |publisher=Naval Institute Press |year=1997 |isbn=1-55750-686-8 |edition=16th |location=Annapolis, Maryland |pages=521}}</ref>

The ships have a {{convert|500|hp|adj=on}} [[bow thruster]]. The Z-drives and bow thruster can be linked in a [[Dynamic positioning|Dynamic Positioning System]]. This gives Keeper-class vessels the ability to hold position in the water even in heavy currents, winds, and swells. This advanced capability is useful in bringing buoys aboard that can weigh more than {{convert|16000|lb}}.<ref name=":3" />  

Electrical power aboard is provided by three Caterpillar 3406 DITA generators which produce 285 kW each.<ref name=":3" />  Each ship also has a 210 kW emergency generator, which is a Caterpillar 3406 DIT.<ref name=":4" />

The buoy deck has {{Convert|1335|sqft|m2}} of working area.  A crane with a boom {{Convert|42|ft|m}} long lifts buoys and their mooring anchors onto the deck.  The crane can lift up to {{Convert|20000|lb|kg}}.<ref name=":3" />

The ships' fresh water tanks can hold {{convert|7339|USgal}}.<ref name=":4" />  They also have three [[ballast tank]]s that can be filled to maintain their trim, and tanks for oily waste water, sewage, gray water, new lubrication oil, and waste oil.<ref name=":4" />

Accommodations were designed for mixed gender crews from the start.  Crew size and composition has varied over the years.  When ''Ida Lewis'', the lead ship of the class was commissioned in 1997, she had a crew of 18, commanded by a [[Warrant officer (United States)|Chief Warrant Officer]].<ref name=":0" />  By 2000 the crew had been increased to 20 personnel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Henry Blake (WLM 563) |url=https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-13/Units/USCGC-Henry-Blake/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=www.pacificarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>  Currently, the crew is 2 officers and 22 enlisted personnel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC GEORGE COBB (WLM 564) |url=https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-11/District-Units/cgcGeorgeCobb/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=www.pacificarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>

[[File:USCGC Marcus Hanna ice breaking near Boston.jpg|thumb|USCGC ''Marcus Hanna'' breaking ice near Boston]]

Keeper-class hulls have a strengthened "ice belt" along the waterline so that they can work on aids to navigation in ice-infested waters.  Not only is the hull plating in the ice belt thicker than the rest of the hull, but framing members are closer together in areas that experience greater loads when working in ice.  Higher grades of steel were used for hull plating in the ice belt to prevent cracking in cold temperatures.  Keeper-class bows are sloped so that rather than smashing into ice, they ride up over it and break it with the weight of the ship.  The ships are capable of breaking flat, {{convert|9|in|adj=on}} thick ice at {{convert|3|kn}}.<ref name=":1" />

Each ship carries a cutter boat on [[davit]]s.  They were originally equipped with CB-M boats which were replaced in the mid-2010s with CB-ATON-M boats.  These were built by Metal Shark Aluminum Boats and were estimated to cost $210,000 each.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OCFO/United%20States%20Coast%20Guard%20%28USCG%29%20-%20Small%20Boat%20Purchases%20FY%202015.pdf |title=Boat Expenditure Plan |date=12 June 2015 |publisher=US Coast Guard}}</ref>  The boats are {{Convert|18|ft|m}} long and are equipped with a [[Mercury Marine]] inboard/outboard diesel engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-27 |title=Mercury Diesel Engines for 16 New USCG Boats |url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/mercury-engines-diesel391941 |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=MarineLink |language=en}}</ref>

All 14 Keeper-class cutters are named after distinguished American lighthouse keepers.

== In-service vessel sustainment ==
Keeper-class ships were designed to serve for thirty years.  In order to reach that goal, the Coast Guard has awarded class-wide contracts for a number of major maintenance items:

* In 2023, Adrick Marine Group won a $5 million contract to upgrade [[Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning|HVAC]] systems<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |title=Coast Guard awards contract for work on coastal buoy tenders |url=https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Newsroom/Latest-Acquisition-News/Article/3342766/coast-guard-awards-contract-for-work-on-coastal-buoy-tenders/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcms.uscg.mil%2FOur-Organization%2FAssistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9%2FNewsroom%2FLatest-Acquisition-News%2FArticle%2F3342766%2Fcoast-guard-awards-contract-for-work-on-coastal-buoy-tenders%2F |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=United States Coast Guard |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* In 2023, Exail won a $2.2 million contract to replace the [[gyrocompass]] on each ship<ref>{{Cite web |last=ESD |date=2023-06-16 |title=Exail to Supply USCG Buoy Tenders with Advanced Navigation Systems |url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/06/news/32344/exail-to-supply-uscg-buoy-tenders-with-advanced-navigation-systems/ |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=euro-sd.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2022, Appleton Marine won an $18.8 million contract to service the main crane and hydraulic systems<ref name=":16" />

== Ships in the Keeper class ==
All of the ships were launched into the [[Menominee River]] in Marinette, Wisconsin.  There they were completed and underwent builder's trials.  When the Coast Guard accepted the ships, and ownership passed from Marinette Marine, they were placed "in commission, special" status.  The crews were trained by Marinette personnel in [[Lake Michigan]].  They then sailed through the [[Great Lakes]] and out into the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] to reach their new home ports.  They made frequent stops.  For example, ''Henry Blake'', which had one of the longer trips from Marinette, made port calls in four countries and eleven states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Henry Blake (WLM 563) |url=https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-13/Units/USCGC-Henry-Blake/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=www.pacificarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>  When the ships reached their new homes, a public commissioning ceremony was held, and the ships were placed "in commission, full" status.  
{| class="wikitable zebra"
|-
! Name !! Penant Number !! Launched !! In Commission, Full !! Home port 
!Replaced!! Photo
|-
| ''[[USCGC Ida Lewis|Ida Lewis]]''
| WLM-551
|14 October 1995<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 1995 |title=First of buoy tenders is launched |pages=12 |work=Daily Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/244778873/?terms=%22ida%2BLewis%22%2B%22coast%2Bguard%22}}</ref>
|11 April 1997<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 June 1997 |title=Some sail into the fleet, others into history |pages=33 |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1590F5C3763F48A3%40GB3NEWS-1782DC0821A0CFA0%402450630-178172DF2933F74E%4032-178172DF2933F74E%40?h=1&fname=&mname=&lname=&kwinc=%22fleet%20watch%22&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1997&rgtoDate=1997&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=kzqbvhiiuartzlhmxomahfxmvvyiysxx_wma-gateway005_1691528118082}}</ref>
|Newport, Rhode Island<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Ida Lewis |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-1/District-Cutters/USCGC-Ida-Lewis/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC White Sage|USCGC ''White Sage'']]<ref>{{Cite web |title=White Sage, 1947 |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Assets/Water/All/Article/2294025/white-sage-1947/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.history.uscg.mil%2FBrowse-by-Topic%2FAssets%2FArticle%2F2294025%2Fwhite-sage-1947%2F |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=United States Coast Guard |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| [[File:USCGC Ida Lewis in New York Harbor.jpg|frameless]]
|-
| ''[[USCGC Katherine Walker|Katherine Walker]]''
| WLM-552
|14 September 1996<ref name=":10" />
|1 November 1997<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=30 October 1997 |title=Big welcome Saturday for new buoy tender |pages=6 |work=Jersey Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/908759995/?terms=%22Katherine%20walker%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|Bayonne, New Jersey<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Katherine Walker |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-1/District-Cutters/USCGC-Katherine-Walker/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|USCGC ''Red Beech''<ref name=":10" />
| [[File:Katherine Walker552 1.jpg|frameless]]
|-
| ''[[USCGC Abbie Burgess|Abbie Burgess]]''
|WLM-553
|5 April 1997<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 1997 |title=Marinette Marine will launch cutter |pages=5 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/191195072/?terms=%22Marinette%20Marine%22%20launch&match=1}}</ref>
|31 July 1998<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 July 1998 |title=Commissioning, decommissioning as of June 22 |pages=41 |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1590F5C3763F48A3%40GB3NEWS-178382B6F8168260%402451015-17837E86228C5B67%4040-17837E86228C5B67%40?h=1&fname=&mname=&lname=&kwinc=%22changes%20in%20the%20fleet%22&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1998&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=yqpeazmrudgutxujxmormumxqrnjxgvj_wma-gateway007_1691527830629}}</ref>
|Rockland, Maine<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Abbie Burgess |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-1/District-Cutters/USCGC-Abbie-Burgess/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC White Lupine|USCGC ''White Lupine'']]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Griffin |first=Walter |date=1 November 1997 |title=Rockland welcomes new buoy tender |pages=17 |work=Bangor Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/665087285/}}</ref>
|[[File:USCGC Abbie Burgess.png|frameless]]
|-
| ''[[USCGC Marcus Hanna|Marcus Hanna]]''
| WLM-554
|23 August 1997<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 August 1997 |title=Coast Guard launches Marcus Hanna |pages=9 |work=Sun-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/832491854/?terms=%22ida%20lewis%22%20%22coast%20guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|9 May 1998<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=26 October 1998 |title=1998 Review: Ships that came, ships that went |pages=14 |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1590F5C3763F48A3%40GB3NEWS-1781FBEE71EC702A%402451113-178172E47889B750%4013-178172E47889B750%40?h=1&fname=&mname=&lname=&kwinc=%22Joshua%20Appleby%22&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1998&rgtoDate=1998&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=hrlagyeztercdcmmlnrzutfrnlhfarjv_wma-gateway003_1691526001254}}</ref>
|South Portland, Maine<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Marcus Hanna |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-1/District-Cutters/USCGC-Marcus-Hanna/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC Spar (WLB-403)|USCGC ''Spar'']]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richardson |first=John |date=7 January 1998 |title=Cutter arrives at home shore bearing latest in technology |pages=14 |work=Portland Press Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/849346173/?terms=%22Marcus%20hanna%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
| [[File:USCGC Marcus Hanna.png|frameless]]
|-
| ''[[USCGC James Rankin|James Rankin]]''
|WLM-555
|25 April 1998<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1998 |title=Buoy tender will be launched Saturday |pages=8 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/190836485/?terms=Marinette%20launched&match=1}}</ref><ref name=":8" />
|1 May 1999<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |date=2 May 1999 |title=Coast Commissions Cutter |pages=12 |work=Daily Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/281821975/?terms=%22James%20rankin%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|Baltimore, Maryland<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=USCG Fifth District Cutters |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-5/District-Units/Cutters/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC Red Birch|USCGC ''Red Birch'']]<ref name=":11" />
|[[File:USCGC James Rankin in Baltimore Harbor.jpg|frameless]]
|-
| ''[[USCGC Joshua Appleby|Joshua Appleby]]''
|WLM-556
|8 August 1998<ref name=":8" />
|7 May 1999<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Coryell |first=George |date=8 May 1999 |title=New Coast Guard cutter to aid seafarers |pages=17 |work=Tampa Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/341412951/?terms=%22Joshua%20appleby%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|St. Petersburg, Florida<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sector Units |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-7/Units/Sector-St-Petersburg/Sector-Units/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC White Sumac|USCGC ''White Sumac'']]<ref name=":12" />
| [[File:Joshua Appleby556 1.jpg|frameless]]
|-
| ''[[USCGC Frank Drew|Frank Drew]]''
| WLM-557
|5 December 1998<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 December 1998 |title=Coast Guard ready to launch cutter named for Green Bay light tender |pages=16 |work=Post-Crescent |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/290907660/?terms=Marinette%20launched&match=1}}</ref><ref name=":8" />
|5 April 2000<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Rogers |first=Richard William |date=15 April 2000 |title=Coast Guard launches new cutter into service |pages=15 |work=Daily Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/237646722/?terms=%22Frank%20drew%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|Portsmouth, Virginia<ref name=":6" />
|[[USCGC Red Cedar|USCGC ''Red Cedar'']]<ref name=":13" />
|[[File:Maritime Security Response Team Demonstrates Capabilities DVIDS187493.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC Anthony Petit|Anthony Petit]]''
|WLM-558
|30 January 1999<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 1999 |title=It floats! Launch thrills crowd |pages=17 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/190463751/?terms=Marinette%20launched&match=1}}</ref>
|
|Ketchikan, Alaska<ref>{{Cite web |title=17th District Units |url=https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-Offices/District-Seventeen/17th-district-units/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.pacificarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC Planetree|USCGC ''Planetree'']]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-01-27 |title=USCG's Newest Cutter Arrives in Ketchikan |url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/ketchikan-arrives-cutter302236 |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=MarineLink |language=en}}</ref>
|[[File:USCG Anthony Pettit.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC Barbara Mabrity|Barbara Mabrity]]''
|WLM-559
|27 March 1999<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=31 May 1999 |title=Changes to the Fleet |pages=40 |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1590F5C3763F48A3%40GB3NEWS-178232868E3EAB26%402451330-1781736878DD9D86%4039-1781736878DD9D86%40?h=1&fname=&mname=&lname=&kwinc=%22Joshua%20Appleby%22&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1999&rgtoDate=1999&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=awoglwekoufvnpysxsgmntnyebegchui_wma-gateway015_1691526725403}}</ref>
|20 November 1999<ref>{{Cite web |title=COMMISSIONING OF CGC BARBARA MABRITY |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1081612/commissioning-cgc-barbara-mabrity |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref>
|Mobile, Alabama<ref name=":7" />
|USCGC ''White Pine''<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=29mmD2shjxoC&dq=%22red+cedar%22+%22buoy+tender%22&pg=PA371 |title=Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1996: Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourth Congress, First Session, on H.R. 2002, an Act Making Appropriations for the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1996, and for Other Purposes |date=1995 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-047652-5 |language=en}}</ref>
|[[File:U. S. Coast Guard 559 - New Orleans 2019.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC William Tate|William Tate]]''
|WLM-560
|8 May 1999<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 May 1999 |title=Buoy tender Tate to be launched |pages=5 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/190844370/?terms=Marinette%20launched&match=1}}</ref>
|3 June 2000<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 June 2000 |title=Coast Guard to launch new cutter |pages=17 |work=Courier-Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/184014872/?terms=%22William%20Tate%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<ref name=":6" />
|[[USCGC Red Wood|USCGC ''Red Wood'']]
|[[File:USCGC William Tate.png|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC Harry Claiborne|Harry Claiborne]]''
|WLM-561
|12 June 1999<ref name=":9" />
|31 March 2000<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graczyk |first=Michael |date=1 April 2000 |title=A beacon remembered |pages=34 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/649827667/?terms=%22harry%20Claiborne%22%20%22Coast%20Guard%22&match=1}}</ref>
|Galveston, Texas<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=District Units |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-8/District-Units/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC Papaw|USCGC ''Papaw'']]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Jeb |date=24 July 1999 |title=Retired from duty |pages=1 |work=Galveston Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20157906/}}</ref>
|[[File:USCGC Harry Claiborne.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC Maria Bray|Maria Bray]]''
|WLM-562
|18 September 1999<ref name=":9" />
|26 July 2000<ref>{{Cite book |last=St. Germain |first=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JaJpBgAAQBAJ&dq=commissioning+%22maria+Bray%22&pg=PA84 |title=Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations of Cape Ann |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4671-2020-3 |location=Charleston, South Carolina |pages=84}}</ref>
|Jacksonville, Florida<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sector Jacksonville Cutters |url=https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-7/Units/Sector-Jacksonville/Sector-Jacksonville-Cutters/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC Laurel|USCGC ''Laurel'']]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gnann |first=Paige G. |date=8 December 1999 |title=Laurel is retired |pages=1 |work=The Beaches Leader |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A174D690B611F7EDF%40GB3NEWS-177B5742DBB97D4F%402451521-177B55E95F9F85A2%400-177B55E95F9F85A2%40?h=3&fname=&mname=&lname=&kwinc=%22Maria%20bray%22&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1999&rgtoDate=2002&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=odhwvewkgztudnxeiqvwhkhtmtajnuoi_ip-10-166-46-156_1697496112594}}</ref>
|[[File:The Maria Bray 121004-G-OD102-025.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC Henry Blake|Henry Blake]]''
|WLM-563
|20 November 1999<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 November 1999 |title=Buoy tender launch scheduled Saturday |pages=11 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/191247423/?terms=%22Henry%20Blake%22&match=1}}</ref>
|27 October 2000<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 October 2000 |title=Waiting For Duties |pages=18 |work=Columbian |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/818377295/?terms=%22Henry%20Blake%22%20%22buoy%20tender%22&match=1}}</ref>
|[[Everett, Washington]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC Henry Blake (WLM 563) |url=https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-13/Units/USCGC-Henry-Blake/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.pacificarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|[[USCGC Mariposa|USCGC ''Mariposa'']]<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8eMu5hQbag0C&dq=%22buoy+tender%22+%22henry+blake%22&pg=PA260 |title=Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002: Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session, on H.R. 2299/S. 1178, an Act Making Appropriations for the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2002, and for Other Purposes |date=2002 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-068440-1 |language=en}}</ref>
|[[File:USCGC Henry Blake before New Dungeness Lighthouse.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|''[[USCGC George Cobb|George Cobb]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCGC GEORGE COBB (WLM 564) |url=https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-11/District-Units/cgcGeorgeCobb/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=www.pacificarea.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|WLM-564
|18 December 1999
|27 October 2000
|San Pedro, California
|[[USCGC Conifer|USCGC ''Conifer'']]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weikel |first=Dan |date=25 August 2002 |title=Navigating Waterways |pages=114 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/190494400/?terms=%22George%20Cobb%22%20coast%20guard&match=1}}</ref>
|[[File:US Coast Guard 564 (15594970422).jpg|frameless]]
|}


==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Marinette Marine|state=autocollapse}}
{{Keeper-class cutter}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Keeper-class cutter}}

[[Category:Ships of the United States Coast Guard]]
[[Category:Keeper-class cutters]]