SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Gaines, a deck-crewmember aboard USCGC Buckthorn, orders a buoy into place during Operation Fall Retrieve on Nov. 23, 2009. Operation Fall Retrieve, which includes lighted and unlighted buoys and beacons, commenced Oct. 14, 2009, with a goal of retrieving 1,284 navigational aids, and should be completed by Dec. 21, 2009. The aids, approximately half in the region, are taken out of service during the winter months due to decreased vessel traffic and to minimize damage from ice and inclement weather. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell.
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