JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard 17th District is scheduled to host its week-long annual District Buoy Tender Roundup in Juneau, Alaska, Aug. 3 - 7.
This year's roundup will include seven U.S. Coast Guard buoy tenders, stationed throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, as well as a Canadian coast guard ship, for five days of training and maintenance. Participating are the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters SPAR, Maple, Hickory, Fir, Sycamore, Elderberry, Henry Blake and the Canadian coast guard ship Bartlett.
The event allows Coast Guard members and partner agencies the opportunity to receive specialized training throughout the week in areas such as engine repair, buoy maintenance, first aid and more.
The Coast Guard Cutter Maple and the Canadian coast Guard ship Bartlett will also conduct a towing evolution using a State of Alaska Emergency Towing System.
“The roundup is an extremely cost effective and efficient means to ensure our buoy tender crews have access to the training they need to be successful in their chosen professions,” said Cmdr. James Houck, Chief of the 17th District’s Waterways Branch. “Additionally, subject matter experts from across the Coast Guard are being brought in to inspect and service vital shipboard equipment to ensure the safety of our crews while they are deployed throughout the state.”
Crews aboard Coast Guard buoy tenders in Alaska service 1,250 navigational aids along 33,000 miles of coastline while actively participating in search and rescue, environmental protection, and law enforcement missions.