USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687)

USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687) Homepage Photos Members

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687)

USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687) is a 100-foot Keeper-class coastal buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1996. Homeported in Baltimore, Maryland, Red Birch is responsible for maintaining aids to navigation along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, ensuring safe passage for commercial and recreational vessels. In addition to its primary mission, the cutter has supported search and rescue operations, environmental protection responses, and homeland security tasks. Over the years, Red Birch has played a vital role in maintaining maritime safety and supporting Coast Guard missions along the busy mid-Atlantic waterways.

Unit Members

Richard Miller

U.S. Coast Guard

USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687)View Profile

John Miller

U.S. Coast Guard

USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687)View Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Class & Type: USCGC Red Birch (WLM-687) is a Keeper-class coastal buoy tender, one of 14 such ships built for the United States Coast Guard. • Commissioning: Red Birch was commissioned on July 13, 1996, making her one of the newer buoy tenders in the USCG fleet. • Homeport: The vessel is homeported in Baltimore, Maryland, allowing her to operate primarily in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. • Mission: Red Birch’s primary mission is the maintenance of aids to navigation (ATON), ensuring safe passage for commercial and recreational vessels in her area of responsibility. • Icebreaking Capability: She is capable of breaking up to 9 inches of ice, enabling her to maintain ATON year-round, even in harsh winter conditions. • Advanced Technology: Red Birch is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), allowing her to hold position with incredible accuracy while working buoys. • Namesake: The ship is named after the red birch tree (Betula nigra), continuing a Coast Guard tradition of naming buoy tenders after trees and shrubs. • Hurricane Response: Red Birch has played a critical role in restoring navigation aids after hurricanes and major storms, ensuring rapid recovery for maritime traffic. • Crew: She is operated by a crew of approximately 24 Coast Guard personnel, including officers, enlisted, and engineers. • Community Engagement: The crew of Red Birch regularly participates in community outreach, public tours, and maritime education efforts in the Baltimore area.