St. Petersburg, FL--The Coast Guard Cutter Joshua Appleby (WLM 556), a coastal buoytender. The new 175-foot Keeper Class Coastal Class Buoy Tender represent the new wave in buoy tending. They are the first Coast Guard cutters equipped with Z-Drive propulsion units instead of the standard propeller and rudder configuration. They are designed to independently rotate 360 degrees. Combined with a thruster in the bow, they give the Keeper -class cutters unmatched maneuverability. With state-of-the-art electronics and navigation systems including Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) which uses a Differential Global Positioning System, and electronic chart displays - these buoytenders maneuver and position aids more accurately and efficiently with fewer crew. Other improvements have allowed the Coast Guard to decrease its crew from 24-34 on current vessels of similar type to 18 on the Keeper Class. USCG photo by PA1 Harry Craft, III
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