USCG Cutter Active returns to homeport in Port Angeles after two-month counter-drug patrol: During their 58-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active intercepted two vessels suspected of smuggling illicit narcotics. Active’s crew seized approximately 5,650 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $106.8 million from the combined interdictions. The cutter’s crew also conducted two search and rescue missions during its deployment. “This patrol was another superb example of teamwork across the interagency,” said Cmdr. James M. O’Mara IV, Active’s commanding officer. “Beyond our lifelines, interagency and partner nations shared information to develop cases, while U.S. Navy, Customs, and Coast Guard aircraft detected targets of interest. Active’s crew leaned forward, operated aggressively, and executed their missions with distinction.” Learn more.
The U.S. Coast Guard resumes guest attendance at recruit graduations: On June 4, beginning with recruit company Oscar-200, Training Center Cape May, New Jersey is scheduled to reopen recruit graduations to guest attendance. In line with updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New Jersey guidance, along with successful vaccination and mitigation efforts, the decision was made to open up the graduation ceremony to limited guests, specifically recruit families. Graduations themselves will continue to be live-streamed as normal on Training Center Cape May’s official Facebook page. Learn more.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescues overboard mariners off Oahu: On May 30, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball rescued four mariners off Portlock, Honolulu, after they had fallen overboard from their vessel. The mariners claimed they were ejected from their boat when a large wake impacted the vessel. One of the four mariners sustained minor injuries from the vessel’s propeller. The Kimball crew brought the four individuals safely back to receive medical services. Learn more.
Coast Guard Sector Guam holds change of command ceremony: On June 3, Sector Guam welcomed its new commander, as Capt. Nicholas Simmons assumed command from Capt. Christopher Chase during a change of command ceremony in Santa Rita, Guam. Simmons is reporting from the Office of Budget and Programs at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., having served two years as the Coast Guard’s procurement, construction and improvements budget coordinator. Learn more.