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Mile Buoy Service

On May 12, 2024, the 225' USCG cutter Alder performed routine maintenance on the Santa Cruz Lighted Whistle Buoy, commonly known as the Mile Buoy. The triennial service included inspecting, cleaning, and replacing parts of the buoy, chain, and ground tackle, ensuring it continues to function safely and effectively.

In late February 2024, the USCG proposed to remove the iconic buoy from service, but after receiving overwhelming public support in favor of keeping the aid to navigation in service, the proposal was withdrawn. The Coast Guard has indicated that every ten years, Aids to Navigation are evaluated for their utility, so its likely that another proposal for removal will occur in the future.

A U.S. Coast Guard ship with a crane lifting equipment from the water.
A Coast Guard ship and a sailboat on a hazy sea, with land in the distance.
A crane lifting rusty equipment onto a ship with the US Coast Guard emblem, workers in safety gear are present.
A U.S. Coast Guard ship at sea with a crane on deck.
A crane lifting a buoy near a ship with "COAST GUARD" text.
Coast Guard vessel with crane lifting debris, clear sky, calm sea.
A U.S. Coast Guard ship with a crane lifting equipment from the water.
A Coast Guard ship and a sailboat on a hazy sea, with land in the distance.
A crane lifting rusty equipment onto a ship with the US Coast Guard emblem, workers in safety gear are present.
A U.S. Coast Guard ship at sea with a crane on deck.
A crane lifting a buoy near a ship with "COAST GUARD" text.
Coast Guard vessel with crane lifting debris, clear sky, calm sea.

Photos courtesy of Niels Kisling