Seagoing Buoy Tenders
SEAGOING BUOY TENDERS
The Sinking of USCGC BLACKTHORN (WLB-291)
and the heroics of SA william R. “billy” flores
On the night of 28 January 1980, USCGC BLACKTHORN (WLB-291) was outbound from Tampa Bay, FL after completing an extensive overhaul at a local drydock. At the same time, the tanker Capricorn was traveling with the right-of-way into the bay. BLACKTHORN’s Commanding Officer had departed the bridge to investigate an issue with a newly installed propulsion shaft. A Junior Officer had the conn. Just beforehand, the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan had requested and overtaken BLACKTHORN. Upon completion of the passing, BLACKTHORN resumed its original course in mid-channel.
Shortly thereafter, Capricorn began to turn left; but this course would not allow Capricorn and BLACKTHORN to pass port-to-port as the rules of navigation normally required. After trying unsuccessfully to radio BLACKTHORN, Capricorn’s pilot blew two short whistle blasts to have the ships pass starboard-to-starboard. Despite evasive action by BLACKTHORN, a collision occurred.
Damage to BLACKTHORN from the initial impact was not extensive. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. The anchor had become embedded in BLACKTHORN's hull, which ripped open the port side above the water line. As the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it caused BLACKTHORN to tip on her side until she completely capsized. Several crewmembers who had just reported aboard tried to egress and in the process were trapped in the engine room. Tragically, of the 50 crewmembers onboard, 23 perished.
Seaman Apprentice William R. “Billy” Flores, had been out of boot camp for only a year and was serving at his first unit onboard BLACKTHORN. After the collision and as BLACKTHORN began capsizing, SA Flores opened the life jacket locker, secured it opened with his belt, and ensured as many shipmates as possible were able to access and use the life jackets. He then remained onboard to help other crewmembers egress and also tend to the wounded. Tragically, SA Flores, aged 18, was not himself able to escape. However, his heroism directly contributed to saving the lives of countless crewmembers.
SA Flores was in 2000 posthumously awarded the Coast Guard medal, which is the Coast Guard's highest award for heroism during peacetime. In October 2010, the Coast Guard announced that the third Sentinel-class cutter, a 154-foot patrol boat, would be named for SA Flores. USCGC WILLIAM FLORES (WPC-1103) was commissioned on 3 November 2012. In May 2021, SA Flores, a New Mexico native, was awarded the State of Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.
USCGC BLACKTHORN (WLB-391)
180’ Class C (Iris)-class Buoy Tender
Commissioned: 27 March 1944
Decommissioned: 1980
(2.5” diameter)
Buoy Tenders
Buoy Tenders
180’ seagoing buoy tenders
USCGC LAUREL (WLB-291)
180’ Class A (Cactus)-class Buoy Tender
Commissioned: 24 November 1942
Decommissioned: 1 December 1999
USCGC CONIFER (WLB-301)
180’ Class A (Cactus)-class Buoy Tender
Commissioned: 5 May 1943
Decommissioned: 23 June 2000
USCGC MESQUITE (WLB-305)
180’ Class B (Mesquite)-class Buoy Tender
Commissioned: 27 August 1943
Decommissioned: 31 January 1990
USCGC SWEETGUM (WLB-309)
180’ Class B (Mesquite)-class Buoy Tender
Commissioned: 20 November 1943
Decommissioned: 15 February 2002
USCGC FIREBUSH (WLB-393)
180’ Class C (Iris)-class Buoy Tender
Commissioned: 20 July 1944
Decommissioned: 26 May 2003
225’ juniper-class buoy tenders
USCGC JUNIPER (WLB-201)
Honolulu, HI
USCGC JUNIPER (WLB-201)
Honolulu, HI
USCGC JUNIPER (WLB-201)
Honolulu, HI
USCGC JUNIPER (WLB-201)
Honolulu, HI
USCGC JUNIPER (WLB-201)
Honolulu, HI
(4” L x 1” W)
USCGC KUKUI (WLB-203)
Sitka, AK
USCGC KUKUI (WLB-203)
Sitka, AK
USCGC ELM (WLB-204)
Astoria, OR
USCGC ELM (WLB-204)
Astoria, OR
USCGC SPAR (WLB-206) / USCGC ALDER (WLB-216)
Duluth, MN
2022 - Present (SPAR) / 2005 - 2021 (ALDER)
(3.75” H x 1.25” W)
USCGC MAPLE (WLB-207)
Atlantic Beach, NC
(2.5” diameter)
USCGC MAPLE (WLB-207)
Atlantic Beach, NC
(2.5” diameter)
USCGC ASPEN (WLB-208)
San Francisco, CA: 2002 - 2022
Homer, AK: 2023 - Present
USCGC ASPEN (WLB-208)
San Francisco, CA: 2002 - 2022
Homer, AK: 2023 - Present
USCGC SYCAMORE (WLB-209)
Newport, RI
USCGC CYPRESS (WLB-210)
Kodiak, AK
USCGC CYPRESS (WLB-210)
Kodiak, AK
(3.5” H x 1.25” W)
USCGC CYPRESS (WLB-210)
Kodiak, AK
(Gold Trim)
(4.5” L x 2” H)
USCGC CYPRESS (WLB-210)
Kodiak, AK
(Copper Trim)
(4.5” L x 2” H)
USCGC CYPRESS (WLB-210)
Kodiak, AK
(Black Trim)
(4.5” L x 2” H)
USCGC OAK (WLB-211)
Newport, RI
USCGC OAK (WLB-211)
Newport, RI
USCGC HICKORY (WLB-212)
Homer, AK: 2003 - 2022
Santa Rita, GU: 2023 - Present
USCGC HOLLYHOCK (WLB-214)
Port Huron, MI
USCGC SEQUOIA (WLB-215)
Santa Rita, GU: 2004 - 2023
Port Huron, MI: 2024 - Present
USCGC ALDER (WLB-216)
Duluth, MN: 2005 - 2021
USCGC ALDER (WLB-216)
San Francisco, CA: 2022 - Present
USCGC ALDER (WLB-216) / USCGC SPAR (WLB-206)
Duluth, MN
2005 - 2021 (ALDER) / 2022 - Present (SPAR)
(3.75” H x 1.25” W)