USCGC Cowslip (WLB-277)

The USCGC "Cowslip" (WLB-277) is a convert|180|ft|m|0|sing=on sea going buoy tender (WLB). A "Cactus" class vessel, it was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. "Cowslip"'s 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 16 September 1941 the keel was laid. It was launched on 11 April 1942 and commissioned on 17 October 1942. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $918,873.

"Cowslip" is one of 39 original convert|180|ft|m|0|sing=on seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC|Ironwood|WLB-307, were built in Duluth.

After being commissioned, "Cowslip" was assigned to Boston, MA, where it served until 1944. From 1944 until 1973, it was assigned to Portland, Maine. "Cowslip" was decommissioned in 1973 and later sold to a civilian firm in 1977. After the loss of the USCGC|Blackthorn|WLB-391 in 1980, the Coast Guard re-purchased the "Cowslip" and recommissioned it as a replacement.

After recommissioning, "Cowslip" was assigned to Governor's Island, NY from 1981-1983. From 1983-184, it was moved to the Coast Guard yard in Curtis Bay, MD to take part in the Coast Guard's SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) that eventually provided major upgrades for 14 of the 39 "180s". The work done to "Cowslip", which cost $8.9 million, was completed in 1984 and took 16 months of work. The upgrades included new main engines, a Marine Sanitation Device system, upgraded electronics and navigation equipment, a propulsion control computer, and a central fluid power system. In addition, the ships's berthing spaces were renovated, the ship's office and radio room were expanded, additional storeroom space was added and the boom control booth was relocated. After renovation, "Cowslip" was assigned to Portsmouth, VA, where it stayed until 1995. In 1995 "Cowslip" moved to the west coast and called Astoria, OR home port until it was retired.

One notable incident in the "Cowslip's" career is a collision with the convert|757|ft|m|0|sing=on container ship "Ever Grade" that occurred in the Columbia River in 1997. Although sustaining significant damage, "Cowslip" was repaired and sent back in to service.

"Cowslip" was decommissioned for a second time in November 2002 and sold to the Nigerian Navy for use as a general purpose vessel.

References

* [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/NPS_180_HAER_Report.pdf National Park Service Report on the convert|180|ft|m|0|sing=on buoy tenders]
* [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/chronology_may.html This Day in Coast Guard History for May 5]
* [http://www.cgretirenw.org/upload/uploads/Winter_2001.pdf Coast Guard Retiree Newsletter from Winter 2001]
* [http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/news/newsreleases/2002/dec/1802la.htm USCG Press Release about the sale of "Cowslip"]
* [http://ww.uscg.mil/systems/gse/180%20histcontextno%20pics.html] Article on Historical Significance and Context of WLB 180s.
*US Coast Guard (July 9, 1984). Coast Guard Yard Renovates CGC Cowslip. Press release No 7-9-84.
*US Coast Guard (September 6, 2001). [http://www.piersystem.com/external/final_View.cfm?pressID=3166&CID=21 Nation's Oldest Buoy Tender Leaving Service] . Press Release