The USCGC Cowslip (WLB-277) is a 180-foot (55 m) sea-going buoy tender of the Cactus-class, constructed by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Its design was initially developed by the United States Lighthouse Service, with the final plans completed by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding. The keel was laid on September 16, 1941, and the vessel was launched on April 11, 1942, before being commissioned on October 17, 1942. The hull and machinery cost approximately $918,873 at the time of construction. As one of 39 identical 180-foot buoy tenders built during 1942–1944, Cowslip was primarily constructed in Duluth, with the exception of USCGC Ironwood. Initially assigned to Boston, Massachusetts, she served there until 1944, after which she was stationed in Portland, Maine, until 1973. In 1977, she was decommissioned and sold to a civilian entity. However, following the loss of USCGC Blackthorn in 1980, Cowslip was reacquired and recommissioned to serve as a replacement. During her second period of service, Cowslip was stationed at Governor's Island, New York (1981–1983), and later underwent a significant Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) at Curtis Bay, Maryland, from 1983 to 1984. The $8.9 million upgrade included new engines, advanced electronics, navigation systems, and a propulsion control computer, along with renovations to her berthing, office, and storeroom spaces. Post-upgrade, she was based in Portsmouth, Virginia, until 1995, after which she moved to Astoria, Oregon, serving until her retirement. A notable event in her operational history was a collision with the 757-foot container ship Ever Grade in the Columbia River in 1997, which caused substantial damage but was subsequently repaired. Cowslip was decommissioned for the second time in November 2002 and was sold to the Nigerian Navy for use as a general-purpose vessel, marking the end of her distinguished service in the U.S. Coast Guard.

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