Coast Guard, Navy host international exercise with Royal Canadian navy. The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and the Royal Canadian navy conducted a two-day joint exercise, Feb. 17-18. The exercise involved multiple U.S. and Canadian armed forces’ assets and crews preparing Royal Canadian navy crews to support United States counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. “This joint naval exercise between the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Royal Canadian navy demonstrates the strength of our commitment and partnership to secure each country’s shared maritime safety, security, and economic interests,” said Capt. Patrick Hilbert, commander of Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “We are incredibly proud to support Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Saskatoon and Yellowknife for their upcoming deployment and look forward to future opportunities to improve our interoperability and mission effectiveness in response to threats across the Pacific region.” Read more.
Coast Guard Cutter Reliance to homeport following 52-day patrol. The Coast Guard Cutter Reliance returned to Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 18 following a 52-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea supporting the Coast Guard’s Seventh District. During the patrol, the crew traveled over approximately 8,631 miles, assisted in transferring more than 12,564 pounds of narcotics with an estimated combined street value of $250 million, and intercepted 157 undocumented migrants. The cutter's crew also transferred eight suspected narcotics smugglers from other Coast Guard cutters operating in the region. The patrol was critical in enhancing operational readiness through shipboard training and qualifications, resulting in the successful completion of a five-day major shipboard inspection and exercise, which tested the crew’s readiness in all aspects of aviation training, equipment, and capabilities. Read more.
Coast Guard discovers illegal halibut catch near Kodiak, Alaska. A Coast Guard law enforcement boarding team discovered illegally caught fish, Feb. 19. The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco, homeported in Ketchikan, Alaska, boarded the 38-foot fishing vessel Competition and discovered 18 halibut and one ling cod onboard that were retained while the season was closed. The Bailey Barco’s crew seized the catch and issued violations for possession of halibut during a closed fishery, operating beyond three nautical miles with an expired emergency position-indicating radio beacon hydrostatic release, and not having a current commercial fishing vessel safety examination. The cutter crew transferred the seized catch to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement officers in Kodiak. "Working with our partners in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, our enforcement efforts help the many legitimate Alaskan fishermen we encounter on a daily basis, ensuring nobody gains an unfair competitive advantage at the expense of biological sustainability," said Lt. Brian Williams, Bailey Barco commanding officer. Read more.
Coast Guard repatriates 42 Cubans to Cuba. The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell repatriated 42 people to Cuba, Feb. 23, following two interdictions of undocumented migrants off the coasts of Sugarloaf Key and Long Key due to safety of life at sea concerns. “In each instance, the Coast Guard helped secure the U.S. border and prevented these sea voyages from ending in tragedy” said Lt. Cmdr. Salomee Briggs, of Coast Guard District Seven legal office. “Taking to the sea is very dangerous, we urge you not to risk you and your loved-ones' lives.” Read more.
Coast Guard commissions 46th Sentinel-class cutter in Tampa. The Coast Guard commissioned the Coast Guard Cutter John Scheuerman (WPC 1146), into service at the Port of Tampa Feb. 23. The John Scheuerman is Patrol Forces Southwest Asia's (PATFORSWA) fifth 154-foot Sentinel-class cutter. "This is an exciting time for each member of the crew," said Lt. Trent Moon. "We're honored to be a part of this historical day and look forward to our upcoming transit to Bahrain and continuing the legacy of the ship's namesake." Read more.