USCGC Cactus (WLB-270)

The USCGC Cactus (WLB-270) is a 180 foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). A "Cactus" class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. "Cactus"' preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was produced by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth. On 31 March 1941 the keel was laid, she was launched on 25 November 1941 and commissioned on 1 September 1942. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $782,381.

"Cactus" is one of 39 original 180-foot seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth.

"Cactus" was decommissioned in 1971 after running aground. Ultimately, the Coast Guard sold the damaged vessel and she was converted to a barge for use in the Pacific Northwest. The "Cactus" is now grounded in the southern portion of the Puget Sound.

References

* [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/NPS_180_HAER_Report.pdf National Park Service Report on the 180 foot buoy tenders]
* [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/WLB_Photo_Index.html Photo history of USCG buoy tenders by the Coast Guard Historian's Office]