Tactical Testing of the Juniper Class Seagoing Buoy Tender.

Tactical testing for the new 225-foot Juniper Class of Coast Guard Seagoing Buoy Tenders was conducted on June 9, 1998, and the preliminary results were forwarded to the sponsor in September 1998. The testing was conducted on the USCGC JUNIPER WLB-201, the first ship of the class. The tests consisted of turning circles, acceleration to full speed from a standing stop, and deceleration from full speed. The turning circle tests were completed at speeds of 6, 9, 12 and 16 knots under almost optimum conditions of seas less than 2 feet and winds less than 15 knots. The majority of test runs were conducted to the port side with an occasional test to starboard to establish variation. The data were collected using the differential global positioning system DGPS and the Tactical Maneuvering, TACMAN GPS software. The tactical diameter for turn to port was smaller by approximately 14 percent than for turns to starboard. On an average, the ship accelerated to lull speed in 9.5 boat lengths and stopped in less than six boat lengths.