Coast Guard Cutter Valiant returns home after 30-day patrol. The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant's crew returned home to Station Mayport, Fla., Feb. 11 following a 30-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea. Valiant’s crew patrolled over 6,300 miles in the Caribbean Sea, conducting a variety of operations in supporting Coast Guard District Seven. The crew partnered with both foreign and domestic military agencies in the detection, interdiction, and repatriation of over 200 migrants interdicted in the high seas. “Combating illegal immigration and protecting the safety of life at sea are extremely challenging missions that require the utmost flexibility and dedication,” said Cmdr. Jeff Payne, Valiant’s commanding officer. “I could not be more proud of the crew executing the missions flawlessly, saving over 200 lives and working with multiple government agencies to keep our nation safe.” Read more.
Coast Guard interdicts lancha crew observed illegally fishing US waters. Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi aircrew located five fishermen engaged in illegal fishing aboard a lancha approximately two miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line, Texas, Feb. 9. A Coast Guard Station South Padre Island boat crew subsequently seized two sharks, four red snappers, illegal fishing equipment, and the lancha. The crew then transferred the fishermen to border enforcement agents for processing. “This marks the 40th Mexican lancha interdiction we have carried out since October of 2021,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Cross, Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi enforcement department. “We will continue to coordinate our efforts with state and federal agencies to put a stop to illegal poaching and preserve our natural resources for future generations of Americans to enjoy." Read more.
Coast Guard Cutter visit highlights partnership with Fiji to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. U.S. Embassy Suva welcomed the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton to the Port of Suva with a press conference, Feb. 8. The Stratton’s visit highlights the U.S. Coast Guard’s partnership with Fiji and their combined effort to protect fisheries resources. “Stratton will embark three shipriders from customs, Fisheries, and Navy to ride along and conduct patrols in support of the sovereignty of Fiji and her bountiful maritime resources. These coordinated efforts will aim to deter and stop Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing, drug smuggling and transnational crime,” Embassy Charge d’affaires (CDA) Tony Greubel said in his remarks. “Our relationships with our partner nations are more important than ever in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” said Capt. Stephen Adler, Stratton’s commanding officer. “We are pleased to work with our Fijian partners to maintain maritime sovereignty and security throughout the region.” Read more.
Coast Guard rescues 2 from sinking vessel near Sitka, Alaska. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew hoisted the two fishermen from their sinking vessel, Feb. 7. The aircrew lowered a rescue swimmer to assess the vessel that was taking on water. The fishermen were unable to secure the source of the flooding and the rescue swimmer advised the fishermen to abandon the ship. "This successful case highlighted the importance of mariner preparedness," said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Woodcock, the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter pilot on the case. "The biggest challenge during this rescue was the severe winds. However, the fishermen were well prepared with good communication equipment and survival gear." Read more.