USCGC BUCKTHORN (WLI-642)
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter BUCKTHORN (WLI-642) is a 100' Inland Buoy Tender and is the oldest cutter on the Great Lakes. Her normal sailing complement is 16 personnel. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. Her primary missions are Aids to navigation, Homeland Security, and Public Affairs. The area of responsibility for the BUCKTHORN is from Whitefish Point through the Saint Marie's River, 65 miles of integral river that connects Lake Huron to Lake Superior to Cedarville, MI.
Unit Information Sheet