USCG Aux Photo by Roger Bazeley
USCG Aux Photo by Roger Bazeley
SCGC ASPEN ( left ) and the USCGC GEORGE ABOVE : Rebuilt Bell Buoy in foreground with Buoy Tender USCGC Aspen , behind .
of missions , including maintaining aids to navigation , search and rescue , law enforcement , migrant interdiction , marine safety inspections , environmental protection and natural resources management . They can also be used for light ice breaking operations .
The cutter is fitted with two mechanical Z-drive azimuth thruster propulsion units instead of the usual rudder and propeller arrangement . The two thrusters can rotate independently and when combined with the bow thruster , they make it possible to maintain a precise position with the push of one button once the ship is on station . The cutter ’ s propulsion system makes highly accurate placement of Aids to Navigation possible .
Prior to departure from Sector San Francisco , to spend the day anchored out by Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay for the day ’ s Fleet Week boating activities and aviation shows which included the famous Navy Blue Angels , we visited the ship ’ s historic commemorative wall highlighting the ship ’ s dedication to Light Keeper George Cobb . We toured the ship ’ s bridge and
R express
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