The USCGC Mariposa (WLB-397) was an Iris-class buoy tender constructed for the United States Coast Guard, launched on January 14, 1944, and commissioned on July 1, 1944. Designed primarily for aiding navigation, the vessel measured 180 feet (55 meters) in overall length with a beam of 37 feet (11 meters). Its draft was initially 12 feet (3.7 meters), though this increased to 14 feet 7 inches (4.45 meters) in 1966. The ship's displacement was 935 long tons (950 tonnes) at commissioning, later rising to 1,026 long tons (1,042 tonnes) by 1966. The Mariposa was powered by a single electric motor connected to two Westinghouse generators, which in turn were driven by two CooperBessemer GND-8 four-cycle diesel engines, enabling a maximum sustained speed of approximately 13 knots (24 km/h). Its operational speed decreased over time to around 11.9 knots (22 km/h). The vessel had a complement of six officers and seventy-four crew members in 1945, which was reduced to two warrants, four officers, and forty-seven men by 1966. Equipped with a SL1 radar system and QBE-3A sonar in 1945, the Mariposa initially carried armament including a 3-inch/50-caliber gun, two 20 mm/80 guns, Mousetraps, depth charge tracks, and four Y-guns, though these weapons were removed by 1966. Initially assigned to the 3rd Coast Guard District and homeported at Staten Island, the vessel performed general Aids to Navigation (ATON) duties during World War II and remained in Staten Island after the war. In 1990, the Mariposa underwent a significant renovation, and from June 1991 until her decommissioning, she was stationed in Seattle. In 2000, she was transferred to the U.S. Navy to serve as a training hulk, marking the end of her active service. The Mariposa's long operational history highlights her role in maritime navigation and her adaptability over decades of service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.