HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry crew returned to homeport in Honolulu Nov. 22 following a 38-day expeditionary patrol enforcing international living marine resources treaties and conducting joint operations with partner nations across the South Pacific, the Coast Guard 14th District said in a Nov. 23 release. During the 7,000 nautical-mile patrol, the Oliver Berry crew conducted 12 fisheries boardings, identified 16 fishery and safety violations and completed 18 community relation events while sailing from Honolulu, Hawaii to Kiribati, Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga and American Samoa before returning to homeport. 

During the first port call of the patrol at Kiritimati Island, Kiribati, the Oliver Berry crew delivered COVID-19 personal protective equipment donated by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Office of Global Health Engagement before conducting a contactless fueling evolution. The PPE supplies included face masks, thermometers, gloves and face shields to assist the island in their COVID-19 readiness and ensure the safety of its 7,000 citizens. While patrolling Kiribati’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Oliver Berry provided patrol coverage to support the country’s maritime law enforcement efforts. 

The Oliver Berry’s next port visit to Apia, Samoa was the first by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter since 2018. During the port call, the crew of Oliver Berry participated in community engagement and outreach events, to include ship tours for partner maritime organizations and students, a visit to the Samoa Victims Support Group at Faleata to donate school supplies and hygiene products donated by the crew and the Honolulu Chief Petty Officer’s Association, a meeting with students from the National Maritime School to discuss life underway and a beach clean-up around the harbor of Apia. The crew of Oliver Berry also attended a welcoming reception for U.S. Embassy Apia Chargé d’Affaires Noriko Horiuchi, who recognized the crew for assisting Samoa in strengthening its maritime governance and security and highlighted the important role ship rider operations play in promoting maritime resource security. Prior to transiting to Tonga, the Oliver Berry crew also conducted a Passing Exercise with the FS La Glarieuse, a French Patrol Boat homeported in New Caledonia. The event included a crewmember exchange, formation steaming, simulated fishery and counter-narcotic boardings. 

During the Oliver Berry’s time in Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga, the crew also exercised Bilateral Law Enforcement agreements by hosting local law enforcement officers and conducting boardings in the country’s EEZs. While in Samoa, the crew partnered with officers from the Maritime Police Department and the Fisheries Department to patrol Samoan EEZ for two days, conducting four boardings and identifying six safety and fisheries violations on foreign and Samoan flagged vessels. While in the Kingdom of Tonga, Oliver Berry crew hosted officers from the Tongan Navy and Tongan Police Department to complete two boardings and identify one violation. 

“The importance of exercising U.S. Coast Guard Bilateral Law Enforcement Agreements with our Pacific Island partners can’t be understated,” said Lt. Cmdr. Micah Howell, the commanding officer of the Oliver Berry. “These agreements allow us the opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and work closely with our maritime counterparts to collectively ensure maritime governance and security across the Blue Pacific.” 

In addition to boardings being conducted in Samoan and Tongan EEZ’s, Oliver Berry crew also patrolled international waters in the South Pacific to detect, deter and suppress non-compliance with international treaties and conservation and management measures outlined by the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Oliver Berry crew conducted four WCPFC boardings in an effort to identify and counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU-F) activity, resulting in one fisheries violation. 

The Oliver Berry is one of six highly capable FRCs stationed across District 14. Their crews provide year-round search and rescue and maritime law enforcement coverage across a 15 million square mile area of responsibility, demonstrating the United States Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to our partner nations across Oceania.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Coast Guard is creating three reserve entities to strengthen its cyber capabilities, the service’s headquarters announced in an internal message. 

The Coast Guard’s Office of Cyberspace Forces’ team in charge of implementing the cyber mission specialist (CMS) rating is creating a 39-member Reserve Cyber Protection Team.  

Also being created are positions for 48 Reserve Cyber Advisors. These personnel will be assigned to Coast Guard operational commands within the Marine Transportation System. 

In addition, a 15-member Coast Guard cyber reserve unit is being established at U.S. Cyber Command.   

“These teams, along with the [Coast Guard Cyber Reserve Division, will consist of enlisted members from the CMS and IS [Intelligence Specialist] ratings, Cyber Mission Management (CMM) warrant officer specialty and commissioned officers,” the message said. 

MIAMI — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northland (WMEC 904) offloaded approximately 5,363 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $101 million in Port Everglades, Nov. 18, along with 11 suspected smugglers who were apprehended to face prosecution in federal court by the Department of Justice, the Coast Guard 7th District said in a release. 

The drugs were interdicted, during five separate cases, in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea by crews from: 

• Royal Netherlands Navy Ship HNLMS Holland (P840), embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment 408 and a USCG Helicopter Interdiction Squadron helicopter  
• U.S. Navy ships USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and USS Wichita (LCS 13), and embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachments 104 and 107  
• USCGC Valiant (WMEC 621)  
• USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625) and embarked USCG Helicopter Interdiction Squadron helicopter  

“We are proud of the drug seizures the crews of our sister ships recently completed. We are honored to share a role in helping remove narcotics from U.S. streets and delivering justice to those attempting to bring illicit substances to U.S. shores,” said Cmdr. Andrew Dennelly, commanding officer of Northland. “We are always ready to protect those on the sea, protect America from threats delivered by the sea, and protect the sea itself.” 

Northland’s 57-day patrol of the Windward Passage, Old Bahama Channel and South Florida Straits primarily focused on deterring dangerous and irregular maritime migration. 

Initially, a suspect vessel is detected and monitored by allied, military or law enforcement personnel coordinated by Joint Interagency Task Force-South based in Key West. Once an interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard during throughout this phase. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami. 

Northland is a 270-foot Famous-class medium-endurance cutter. The cutters primary missions include law enforcement, search and rescue, drug interdiction, fisheries enforcement, migrant interdiction, homeland security and defense operations and international training. Northland patrols the offshore waters from Maine to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621) returned to their homeport at Naval Station Mayport Nov. 7, 2022, following a 35-day Caribbean Sea patrol, the Coast Guard Atlantic Area said in a Nov. 7 release.  

While underway in the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of operations and in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South, Valiant conducted counterdrug and migrant interdiction operations.  

Within the first week of patrol, Valiant’s crew boarded a vessel suspected of carrying illegal narcotics and seized just under 900 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $8 million. 

Valiant’s crew also patrolled off the coast of Haiti as a deterrent to dangerous and irregular maritime migration events occurring because of continued instability in the country. 

Prior to patrol, Valiant completed a 7-month dry-dock period in Tampa where the 55-year-old cutter completed extensive maintenance and preservation work.  

“The past eight months have certainly been very busy for Valiant’s crew, and we are glad to finally be back in Jacksonville,” said Cmdr. Jacob McMillan, commanding officer of Valiant. “The crew’s remarkable ability to quickly transition from maintenance to operations has been impressive. I’m very proud of the crew and I’m honored to be serving at sea with them.”  

Valiant is a multi-mission, 210-foot medium-endurance cutter. Its primary missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, homeland security and national defense operations.  

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed Seattle Nov. 16 and is in transit to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, the Coast Guard Pacific Area said in a Nov. 17 release.   

Operation Deep Freeze is an annual joint military mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations in support of the National Science Foundation, the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. This marks the 26th year for the Polar Star to render support. 

Each year, the Polar Star crew breaks a navigable channel through ice, sometimes as much as 21-feet thick, to allow fuel and supply ships to reach McMurdo Station, which is the largest Antarctic station and the logistics hub of the U.S. Antarctic Program. 

“This is a unique and important mission that the Coast Guard undertakes each year,” said Capt. Keith Ropella, commanding officer of the Polar Star. “It takes a special crew to make the 20,000 nautical mile round trip through some of the most remote locations and arduous conditions on the planet to get the job done, and perhaps more significantly, to prepare this 46-year-old cutter for the challenge. I am overwhelmed and immensely proud of the tireless work this crew and our shore side support partners have done since returning from the last Operation Deep Freeze back in April to get us ready to go, and I am incredibly excited to make this once in a lifetime journey with them.” 

The U.S. Coast Guard is recapitalizing its polar icebreaker fleet to ensure continued access to the Polar regions, project U.S. sovereignty and protect the country’s economic, environmental and national security interests.   

“As the Nation’s most active and visible maritime presence in the high latitudes, the Coast Guard maintains a vital leadership role in Antarctica and deeply values its relationship as a trusted partner to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program,” said Vice Adm. Andrew J. Tiongson, commander Coast Guard Pacific Area. “Polar Star’s continued support of Operation Deep Freeze exemplifies the Coast Guard’s unique blend of operational capability, regulatory authority and strategic leadership in the polar regions. It is an honor to ensure uninhibited access to the region, and join together with our international allies and Department of Defense sister services to support essential scientific research and the preservation of a safe, secure and cooperative environment on the Antarctic continent.” 

Through Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. Coast Guard provides direct logistical support to the National Science Foundation and maintains a regional presence that preserves Antarctica as a scientific refuge.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northland (WMEC 904) returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, Nov. 14 following a 59-day Caribbean Sea patrol, the Coast Guard Atlantic Area said in a release.  

In support of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District and Operation Vigilant Sentry under Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, Northland’s crew conducted migrant interdiction, law enforcement and humanitarian operations, collaborating with numerous Coast Guard assets and Department of Homeland Security boats and aircraft to detect, deter and intercept unsafe and illegal ventures bound for the United States. 

During the deployment, Northland’s crew primarily patrolled the Windward Passage between Cuba and Haiti, maintaining a U.S. presence while serving as a deterrent to irregular maritime migration events occurring because of continued instability in Haiti. 

In October, Northland was diverted to patrol near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at the request of the government of Haiti and in close coordination with the U.S. Department of State, as a clear sign of U.S. resolve in support of Haiti and its people, and to rendezvous with the Haitian Coast Guard for training in the area. 

Northland also supported counterdrug operations in the region by working with other Coast Guard units and the U.S. Navy, offloading approximately 5,363 pounds of cocaine worth more than $101 million and transferring 11 suspected smugglers Nov. 11 in Port Everglades, Florida. The drugs came from five different interdictions in the Caribbean Sea.  

“I am extremely proud of the adaptability, ingenuity and determination demonstrated by this remarkable crew on a daily basis,” said Cmdr. Andrew B. Dennelly, commanding officer of Northland. “Our crew showed day in and day out that we are always ready to deliver exceptional service to the nation, whether it be responding to unsafe and illegal ventures by migrants or assisting in counterdrug operations. Like any deployment, this patrol came with its own challenges — responding to an international crisis, last minute changes in scheduling and harsh weather and sea-states. Through it all, our crew promoted safety and security at sea and demonstrated why the Coast Guard is the preferred maritime partner.”  

Northland is a 270-foot Famous-class medium-endurance cutter. Its missions include law enforcement, search and rescue, drug interdiction, fisheries enforcement, migrant interdiction, homeland security and defense operations, international training and humanitarian operations. Northland patrols the offshore waters from Maine to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 

BOSTON — Coast Guard Cutter William Chadwick (WPC-1150) was commissioned Nov. 10 at Coast Guard Base Boston, as the first of six fast response cutters to be stationed in the city, the 1st Coast Guard District said in a release.  

Adm. Steven Poulin, vice commandant of the Coast Guard, and Rear Adm. John Mauger, commander, 1st Coast Guard District, oversaw the ceremony, as Lt. Cmdr. Tyler Kelley assumed command of the 154-foot cutter and its crew. Under Kelly’s command, the 24-person crew will now conduct missions offshore of the Northeast United States. 

These Sentinel-class fast response cutters (FRCs) are designed for multiple missions, including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense. The Coast Guard has ordered 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over the horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. 

Born in Dover, New Jersey, the cutter’s namesake was a keeper of the Green Island Lifeboat Station in New Jersey and recipient of the Congressional Gold Lifesaving Medal for his rescue of the crew of the schooner George Taulane on Feb. 3, 1880. Chadwick remained keeper of Green Island Station until his retirement in August 1886. 

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dependable (WMEC 626) returned to their homeport in Virginia Beach, Nov. 5, following a 29-day patrol in the Florida Straits, the Coast Guard Atlantic Area said in a release. 

In support of the Coast Guard’s 7th District, Dependable’s crew conducted migrant interdiction operations, collaborating with numerous Coast Guard assets and Department of Homeland Security boats and aircraft to detect, deter and intercept unsafe and illegal ventures bound for the United States.  

During the patrol, Dependable’s crew assisted with the interdiction of 193 migrants and cared for a total of 297 migrants that were interdicted by various Coast Guard and other law enforcement entities working within the Florida Straits. 

“The crew began preparing for this Florida Straits patrol back in July, including qualifying over 50 crewmembers to stand watch and care for migrants embarked on board the cutter,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dana Prefer, executive officer on board Dependable. “All of the training and preparation paid off as it was truly a team effort to interdict, process and care for almost 300 migrants throughout our patrol.”  

Dependable is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium-endurance cutter with a crew of 67. The cutter’s primary missions include counterdrug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws and search and rescue in support of Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

PORT ANGELES, Wash. — The Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) and crew returned to their homeport Friday after a 65-day patrol in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean near Central and South America, the Coast Guard Pacific Area said in a Nov. 5 release. 

Coast Guard cutters operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean often collaborate to prevent and deter Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) from successfully transporting narcotics destined for the United States. 
 
During this patrol, the Active’s crew rendezvoused with Coast Guard Cutters Steadfast (WMEC 623) and Bertholf (WMSL 750) to conduct joint operations. Active’s crew also partnered with maritime patrol aircrews from Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) who aid in the detection of ships suspected of drug smuggling.   

Crewmembers aboard Active transited more than 10,000 nautical miles from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the southern hemisphere during the patrol. The crew sighted an abundance of marine wildlife throughout the patrol, and rescued sea turtles trapped in fishing gear.  

The Active’s crew departed Port Angeles Sept.1 and transited to San Diego for a logistics stop. While in San Diego, the crew completed unscheduled repairs, enabling the Active to continue its southbound journey along the coast of Mexico and Central America in pursuit of illegal drug smuggling vessels. 

“The Active crew performed superbly in every assigned mission,” said Cmdr. Brian Tesson, commanding officer of the Active. “They were presented with various challenges from engineering casualties to abundant tropical weather systems. This crew consistently stepped up with a can-do attitude, ingenuity and fortitude in the face of adversity, defining what it means to work aboard the ‘Li’l Tough Guy.’ Our success as a team is due in no small part to the families and support network at home who enable us to focus on the mission; for them I am most grateful.” 

The Active and other Coast Guard cutters frequently patrol this 42-million square mile region with the assistance of JIATF-S to interdict and disrupt drug shipments, thereby reducing the flow of drugs and disrupting the TCOs that traffic them.  JIATF-S is a multiagency organization that coordinates with international partners in detecting and monitoring illicit narcotics trafficking and other organized crime flowing from Latin America to the United States.  

The Active, a 57-year-old, 210-foot medium endurance cutter nicknamed “Li’l Tough Guy” is equipped with two deployable small boats and a flight deck capable of conducting underway flight operations with Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews.

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Reliance (WMEC 615) returned to their homeport in Pensacola, Nov. 4, following a 67-day Caribbean Sea patrol.  

During the patrol, Reliance’s crew collaborated with numerous Coast Guard assets and other Department of Homeland Security boats and aircraft to detect, deter and intercept unsafe and illegal ventures to the United States. 

In support of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, Reliance primarily patrolled the South Florida Straits, south of the Florida Keys and the Windward-passage, off the northwest coast of Haiti, contributing to the interdiction and care of 613 migrants and 13 detainees. Additionally, Reliance’s crew repatriated 120 migrants to Santiago, Cuba, marking the first visit by a U.S. warship to the port in more than 50 years. 

“I am extremely pleased by this crew and proud to be a part of this team. Reliance departed homeport shorthanded and was immediately put to the test, performing especially high-tempo migrant interdiction operations. At all hours of day and night, the Reliance crew responded superbly, facilitating the safe care and repatriation of a historic surge of Cuban migrants while also completing qualification requirements and robust training exercises necessary following the summer transfer season,” said Cmdr. Brian Chapman, commanding officer of Reliance. 

Reliance is a 210-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Pensacola with a crew of 77. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws and search and rescue in support of Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.