The USCGC Alder (WLB-403) is a 225-foot buoy tender operated by the United States Coast Guard. Commissioned in 2004, it is primarily responsible for maintaining navigational aids, such as buoys and lighthouses, in the Great Lakes region. The vessel is equipped with advanced technology to ensure safe navigation for maritime traffic. In addition to buoy tending, the Alder also conducts search and rescue missions, environmental protection, and icebreaking operations. Its crew is trained to respond to various maritime emergencies, ensuring the safety of both the waterways and the communities that rely on them.