USCGC WEDGE (WLR 75307)

• Commissioning and Purpose: USCGC WEDGE (WLR 75307) is a 75-foot river buoy tender, commissioned in 1964, specifically designed to maintain and service aids to navigation along inland waterways. • Homeport: The vessel’s homeport is located in Greenville, Mississippi, strategically positioned for access to the lower Mississippi River and its tributaries. • Name Significance: The name "WEDGE" refers to the traditional tool used in navigation and engineering, alluding to the cutter's role in keeping waterways open and navigable. • Vital Operations: WEDGE’s primary mission is maintaining over 350 aids to navigation, including buoys, beacons, and markers, crucial for safe river commerce and navigation. • Flood Response: The crew of WEDGE routinely assists in flood response and disaster relief, providing critical services during the annual Mississippi River flood seasons. • Unique Vessel Class: WEDGE is part of the "WYTL" or "WLR" class of cutters—small but powerful, these vessels are specially designed for the shallow, winding inland rivers. • Barge Operation: The tender operates with a 90-foot construction barge, equipped with a crane capable of lifting heavy navigation buoys and anchors. • Historic Missions: WEDGE has played key roles in major river events, such as reopening channels after Hurricane Katrina and supporting recovery following the 2011 Mississippi River floods. • Community Engagement: The crew is active in local community outreach, including safety demonstrations and educational visits to local schools in the Mississippi Delta. • Longevity and Legacy: Despite being over 50 years old, WEDGE remains an essential asset, embodying the Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to river safety and navigation.