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USCGC Firebush (WLB-393)

7 members•1 unit

USCGC Firebush (WLB-393) Homepage Photos Members

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U.S. Coast Guard

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About USCGC Firebush (WLB-393)

USCGC Firebush (WLB-393) was a 180-foot Iris-class buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Built by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Company in Duluth, Minnesota, Firebush primarily served in Alaskan and later Atlantic waters, performing vital aids-to-navigation, search and rescue, and icebreaking missions. Throughout her career, she contributed to maritime safety by maintaining buoys and lighthouses and supporting coastal operations. After over six decades of service, Firebush was decommissioned in 2003, marking the end of her distinguished career in the Coast Guard fleet.

About USCGC Firebush (WLB-393)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Construction and Launch: USCGC Firebush (WLB-393) was built by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Company in Duluth, Minnesota, and was launched on 18 November 1943.
Class and Purpose: She is a Cactus-class (or 180-foot) seagoing buoy tender, designed to maintain aids to navigation and serve in search and rescue, icebreaking, and law enforcement roles.
World War II Service: Commissioned during World War II, Firebush was initially assigned to the 7th Naval District and operated out of Miami, Florida, supporting navigation and wartime logistics.
Alaska Assignment: After WWII, Firebush was transferred to Alaska, stationed at Kodiak, where she spent decades maintaining navigational aids in some of the most challenging weather and sea conditions.
Cold Weather Operations: The vessel frequently operated in icy waters, performing icebreaking duties in support of maritime traffic and supply missions to remote Alaskan communities.
Humanitarian Missions: Firebush was involved in several rescue and humanitarian missions, including evacuating sick or injured people from isolated locations and assisting vessels in distress.
Technological Upgrades: Over her long service, Firebush underwent numerous technological upgrades to her navigation, propulsion, and communication systems to keep pace with evolving Coast Guard requirements.
Decommissioning: After more than five decades of service, USCGC Firebush was decommissioned from the Coast Guard on 10 March 2003.
Transfer to Nigerian Navy: Following her decommissioning, she was transferred to the Nigerian Navy, where she was renamed NNS Nwamba and continued operations as a buoy tender.
Legacy: Firebush is remembered for her reliability and resilience in harsh conditions, and as one of the last of her class to serve, she represents a significant chapter in the history of Coast Guard buoy tenders.

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USCGC Firebush (WLB-393)

7 members•1 unit

USCGC Firebush (WLB-393) Homepage Photos Members

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

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About USCGC Firebush (WLB-393)

Photos

Got married

CaysonClan - civilian • U.S. Coast Guard • 2025

Road(ocean) Trip: Baltimore, MA to Portland Maine

U.S. Coast Guard • 1983

My Brother & Ride

U.S. Coast Guard • 1984

USCGC DUANE

U.S. Coast Guard • 1983

About USCGC Firebush (WLB-393)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Construction and Launch: USCGC Firebush (WLB-393) was built by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Company in Duluth, Minnesota, and was launched on 18 November 1943.
Class and Purpose: She is a Cactus-class (or 180-foot) seagoing buoy tender, designed to maintain aids to navigation and serve in search and rescue, icebreaking, and law enforcement roles.
World War II Service: Commissioned during World War II, Firebush was initially assigned to the 7th Naval District and operated out of Miami, Florida, supporting navigation and wartime logistics.
Alaska Assignment: After WWII, Firebush was transferred to Alaska, stationed at Kodiak, where she spent decades maintaining navigational aids in some of the most challenging weather and sea conditions.
Cold Weather Operations: The vessel frequently operated in icy waters, performing icebreaking duties in support of maritime traffic and supply missions to remote Alaskan communities.
Humanitarian Missions: Firebush was involved in several rescue and humanitarian missions, including evacuating sick or injured people from isolated locations and assisting vessels in distress.
Technological Upgrades: Over her long service, Firebush underwent numerous technological upgrades to her navigation, propulsion, and communication systems to keep pace with evolving Coast Guard requirements.
Decommissioning: After more than five decades of service, USCGC Firebush was decommissioned from the Coast Guard on 10 March 2003.
Transfer to Nigerian Navy: Following her decommissioning, she was transferred to the Nigerian Navy, where she was renamed NNS Nwamba and continued operations as a buoy tender.
Legacy: Firebush is remembered for her reliability and resilience in harsh conditions, and as one of the last of her class to serve, she represents a significant chapter in the history of Coast Guard buoy tenders.