Release from USNAVSOUTH/4TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

***** 

Nov. 9, 2023 

By USNAVSOUTH/4TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

Caribbean Sea  –  USS Farragut (DDG 99) has found success in stopping alleged illicit drug traffickers in the Caribbean, with four drug busts in October. 
 
Farragut, with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, Detachment Two, made all four drug busts in the Central Caribbean, taking down go fast vessels through a combination of coordinated air and surface operations. 
 
The busts resulted in the confiscation of 1,384 kilograms of cocaine and the detention of 12 suspected illicit drug runners. 
 
“USS Farragut Sailors have brought their hammer to the detection, monitoring, interdiction and apprehension fight against transnational criminal organizations,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. P. Goguen, Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) Director of Operations. “Their results so far demonstrate a highly professional level of planning and preparation that has resulted in the execution of several flawless interdiction events; there are few other Services worldwide that are as effective. We look forward to continued results during the rest of Farragut’s deployment.” 
 
“Every Sailor has a role in this team effort” said Farragut Commanding Officer Cmdr. Tom Roberts. “We gain a good measure of satisfaction in interdicting these drugs and keeping them out of the United States. The positive results are tangible and immediate. Our team can see the difference their efforts hold.” 
 
USS Farragut is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force 45 (CTF 45). CTF-45 is the 4th Fleet surface task force charged with executing combined naval operations, building and strengthening Latin American, south of Mexico, and Caribbean maritime partnerships, and acting as a DoD ready service provider to Joint Interagency Task Force – South in support of counter illicit-drug trafficking operations in the Central and South American waters. 
 
LEDETS are deployable specialized forces of the U.S. Coast Guard that enforce U.S. laws and treaties in the maritime domain. 
 
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. 
 
Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard District 11 

***** 

Nov. 8, 2023 

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne and crew returned to their home port in Los Angeles/Long Beach Tuesday after a 52-day patrol across the Eastern Pacific.  

The crew of the Terrell Horne deployed in support of multiple missions, including Operations Green Flash, Albatross, Martillo, and Southern Shield, within the 11th Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. During the patrol, Terrell Horne’s crew conducted a range of missions encompassing law enforcement, counter-drug operations, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing enforcement, and search and rescue operations.  

“The crew of the Terrel Horne lived up to the cutter’s namesake in every way during this patrol. Operation Southern Shield allowed the cutter to showcase the versatility of the Fast Response Cutter. This operation brought a patrol boat and a buoy tender almost 4,000 nautical miles from home, conducting operations and international engagements with Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica, said Chief Warrant Officer Jason Bussell, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne. “The crew excelled in counter-illegal fishing missions, search and rescue, and counter-drug operations. Working alongside other Coast Guard assets, the crew was able to interdict a drug smuggling vessel and assisted in the seizure of nearly 2,000 lbs of contraband.”  

The Coast Guard commissioned the Terrell Horne as the 31st Fast Response Cutter on March 22, 2019. Coast The cutter is named for Senior Chief Terrell Horne III, who died from injuries sustained while conducting maritime law enforcement operations off the California coast in December 2012. He was the executive petty officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Halibut at the time. For his heroic actions, the Coast Guard posthumously promoted Horne to senior chief petty officer.  

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.    

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam 

***** 

Nov. 7, 2023 

SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard is proud to announce the establishment of U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam on Nov. 8, 2023, in a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. Carola List, commander of Operational Logistics Command.  

Led by Cmdr. Dana Hiatt, Base Guam, will be pivotal toward enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission support logistics in the region. This strategic move aligns with the Service’s commitment to increase mission support throughout Oceania. Given Guam’s vital importance to national security, this initiative takes center stage.  

The establishment of Base Guam is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and expands the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission support in the Indo-Pacific region. The establishment will shift current facilities engineering, naval engineering, comptroller and base operations, health, safety, and work life, personnel support, information technology, and procurement billets and responsibility from the existing U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam to a new Base Guam command structure. The establishment of Base Guam will consist of 17 additional personnel billets and will rely on the realignment of existing elements to provide logistical efficiencies improving U.S. Coast Guard mission support on Guam.  

U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam will operate under the direction of the Operational Logistics Command, responsible for mission support logistics across the entire U.S. Coast Guard enterprise while coexisting with U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. The base is taking on the role of the lead logistics and support command, a strategic decision aimed at better serving the needs of the operational community and partners. Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam retains the role of operational authority for U.S. Coast Guard activity in the Western Pacific. 

The Base crew’s responsibilities encompass contingency logistics planning for joint operational plans, integration of logistics services, and support for tactical logistics needs for deployed operational assets. Additionally, the enterprise maintains a national-level logistics common operating picture and commands the Coast Guard’s 22 existing bases, ensuring the execution of assigned tasking through each of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Logistics and Service Centers. 

The establishment of Base Guam marks a significant milestone in strengthening the U.S. Coast Guard’s presence and capabilities in the region. The unit is physically located on the existing U.S. Coast Guard footprint within U.S. Naval Base Guam. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard 7th District 

***** 

Nov. 7, 2023 

Charleston, S.C. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) returned home to Charleston, Saturday, following a 113-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, James worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct counter-drug operations. 

During the patrol, James’ crew disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting 12,909 kilograms of cocaine and 7,107 pounds of marijuana valued at over $380 million. While in theater, James interdicted eight drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended 23 suspected traffickers, including one low-profile vessel laden with contraband. The efforts by the crew of the James directly contributed to U.S. Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations and enhance regional stability and security. 

James’ crew conducted multiple joint operations with foreign partner nations such as Ecuador and Mexico. James conducted a passing exercise with the Mexican navy’s ARM Chiapas. During the exercise, James practiced close quarters tactical maneuvering and landed the Chiapas’ Panther helicopter on deck. This exercise with the Mexican navy was particularly important to promote interoperability and enhance ongoing and focused partnership efforts. 

While in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, James interdicted an Ecuadorian go-fast vessel laden with illicit narcotics. James executed a complex at-sea rendezvous with Isla Darwin (ECU) and transferred three suspected narcotics traffickers and 73 bales (1,742 kilograms) of cocaine. The evolution enhanced cooperation with Ecuadorian partners and supported the home-country prosecution of international crimes. 

James is a 418-foot National Security Cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, and defense readiness in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations. The National Security Cutters fall under the command of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity. 

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here. 

***** 

Nov. 2, 2023 

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) returned home to Honolulu, Wednesday, after an 85-day multi-mission patrol covering 14,000 nautical miles spanning from the Hawaiian Islands to north of the Arctic Circle. 
 
The crew provided search-and-rescue coverage and conducted living marine resources (LMR) and counter Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing operations during the patrol following their actions responding to the Maui wildfires. 
 
Kimball departed August 8 for the Aleutian Island chain and later that evening, the cutter received a report of people in the water attempting to escape a raging wildfire on Maui. The cutter shifted to the tactical control of Sector Honolulu and altered course to support the mass search and rescue efforts. Arriving on scene within hours, Kimball assumed the role of On Scene Commander of Coast Guard Station Maui, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126), and Air Station Barbers Point MH-65s, who collectively searched 790 square nautical miles, saved 17 lives, and assisted approximately 40 survivors ashore. During Kimball’s three days on scene, their crew launched two cutter small boats for over 25 combined hours and deployed the cutter’s UAS drone for over 8 hours of flight time, conducting search and rescue and damage assessment support.    
 
After being relieved by Juniper, Kimball’s crew transited north to support the Coast Guard’s 17th District by providing search-and-rescue coverage and conducting LMR and counter IUU-Fishing patrols spanning the Northern Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, and the American Arctic. 
 
Operating under Operation Alaskan Groundfish Enforcer, Kimball ensured compliance with all federal fisheries conservation laws and safety requirements by completing 10 LMR boardings on fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. Kimball issued eight citations and one termination for gross violation of U.S. and international regulations. This resulted in the Kimball escorting the fishing vessel back to the nearest port and ensured they corrected their discrepancies. 
 
As the sole U.S. military asset in the Bering Sea, Kimball diverted to provide presence alongside the U.S. domestic fishing fleet in the remote region of the U.S. Arctic upon receiving intelligence of a Russian military exercise within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Kimball’s presence ensured the safety of 23 mariners while they worked within the U.S. EEZ near Russian warships as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel. 
 
“I couldn’t be prouder of Kimball’s crew,” said Capt. Bob Kinsey, Kimball’s commanding officer. “They were able to showcase the true value that the national security cutter brings to such a dynamic area of responsibility. The crew’s diversity of skill harnessed our Coast Guard authorities and capabilities to provide tangible lifesaving results, from responding to the tragic fires in Maui to providing an influential presence in the Chukchi Sea and American Arctic to preserving the livelihoods of our Bering Sea fishermen through the enforcement of federal safety and living marine resources laws.” 
 
To ensure crew preparation and proficiency, Kimball conducted numerous flight operations with MH-65 Dolphin and HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and aircrews from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, resulting in the qualification of eight pilots and recertification of Kimball’s crew. 
 
While in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Kimball’s crew engaged with the local community by participating in sports at the community center, conducted cutter tours, and volunteered for community events. Notably, Kimball assisted the Museum of the Aleutians in relocating fragile gray whale fossils for a new exhibit. Kimball also met with the mayor of Dutch Harbor to discuss how the Coast Guard and the town can continue strengthening their relationship. 
 
Commissioned in 2019, Kimball is the Coast Guard’s seventh national security cutter. National security cutters are the largest and most technologically sophisticated cutters in the Coast Guard’s white-hull fleet. National security cutters can operate in the most demanding open ocean environments, including the Bering Sea’s hazardous fisheries and the Southern Pacific’s vast approaches, where much of the American narcotics trafficking occurs. With robust command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, stern boat launch and aviation facilities, as well as long-endurance station keeping, National security cutters are an afloat operational-level headquarters for complex law enforcement and national security missions involving multiple Coast Guard and partner agency participation. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard 14th District 

***** 

Nov. 1, 2023 

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard completed Operation Koa Kai, a comprehensive month-long maritime security and safety operation conducted throughout October off the Island of Hawaii. 

The annual operation, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement, focused on safeguarding the coastal waters and maritime assets, ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors to the region. 

Operations completed include: 

• 137 underway hours with 19 joint patrol hours 
• Two search and rescue responses 
• 26 maritime security and response operation patrols 
• 11 small vessel security boardings (SVSB) 
• Three high-capacity passenger vessel escorts 
• 24 Response Boat-Small boardings and nine uninspected passenger vessel boardings 
• Dockside inspections conducted in collaboration with the Marine Safety Team (MST) Hawaii for certificate of inspection verification. 

“This operation exemplifies the commitment of our Coast Guard personnel and partner agencies to the security and safety of Hawaii’s maritime domain,” said Chief Warrant Officer Omar Perez, a Coast Guard Sector Honolulu enforcement officer. “Our combined efforts are essential in maintaining maritime security and safeguarding lives in the waters off the Big Island of Hawaii.” 

While taking part in Operation Koa Kai, the Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team 91107 Honolulu (MSST) provided safety zone enforcement for the 2.4-mile swim course included in the Ironman World Championship Women’s Race held in Kailua-Kona. The MSST played a pivotal role in a collaborative interagency effort, joining forces with agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Federal Air Marshals, Department of Defense, Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Sheriff’s Office, Hawaii Conservation Officers, Hawaii Fire Department, and the Ironman Public Safety/Emergency Management department. This partnership, characterized by meticulous mission planning and preparation, was aimed at ensuring the safety of all athletes, spectators, staff, and volunteers during the high-profile event. 

Operation Koa Kai reflects the Coast Guard’s mission to protect and serve the maritime community, ensuring the smooth flow of commerce, maintaining maritime safety, and responding promptly to emergencies. 

Agencies involved in Operation Koa Kai include: 

• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team Honolulu (MSST)  
• U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Team (MST) Hawaii 
• NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) 
• DLNR ​​Hawaii Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement 
• Kona Police Department 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard 14th District 

***** 

Oct. 28, 2023 

HONOLULU – The U.S. Coast Guard was on scene to provide timely assistance and support to the island nation of Vanuatu following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Lola, Oct. 26, 2023. 

Tropical Cyclone Lola moved through the South Pacific island chain earlier this week inflicting significant damage. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department, Port Vila, issued the final warning, indicating that the storm was no longer a threat to the island nation prompting assessment and the disaster relief process. 

The Coast Guard received the request in the afternoon of Oct. 25 from the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby to support the Government of Vanuatu with post-storm overflight and assessment of ports and critical infrastructure following Tropical Cyclone Lola. 

“The Coast Guard’s C-130 mission is a testament to our commitment to provide critical support and capabilities to Vanuatu during these challenging times,” said Cmdr Andrew Williams, the enforcement branch chief for District 14. “Our C-130, deployed in support of the Forum Fisheries Agency – Operation Kuru Kuru, has been diverted to perform post-storm assessments of the affected areas, contributing to response and recovery efforts.” 

Vanuatu is a South Pacific island nation, roughly made up of 80 islands with a population of approximately 335,000 individuals. It is located about 1,090 miles east of Australia. Vanuatu has two shipping ports, the Port of Vila and the Port of Luganville in Santo, that ensure supplies are delivered to the island and its inhabitants. 

The Coast Guard leverages unique capabilities and expertise as a first responder to all threats and hazards in the maritime environment and lifesaving service. Coast Guard aircraft capabilities serve multiple functions including damage assessment of the affected area, search and rescue, real-time situational awareness for senior leaders, logistical support for safe transportation and supply delivery, environmental hazard monitoring, and public safety communication. 

The Coast Guard remains dedicated to assisting the international community in times of need. This mission exemplifies the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by natural disasters, even in distant corners of the world. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard District 11 

***** 

Oct. 28, 2023 

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard announces the establishment of its first California-based Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. Rear Adm. Andrew M. Sugimoto, Eleventh District Commander, announced the program’s official West Coast launch at Mission Bay High School in San Diego, Friday morning. 

The Coast Guard JROTC program aims to inspire and develop young leaders by instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and service to the community. This initiative will provide high school students with a unique opportunity to explore careers in the Coast Guard and gain valuable leadership skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors. 

“The Coast Guard JROTC program will empower our youth to become future leaders with a great foundation,” said Sugimoto. “The goal is to foster a sense of duty, integrity, and respect, we aim to cultivate a new generation of individuals committed to serving their communities and our nation.” 

Sugimoto was joined by school officials, educators, and community leaders who recognize the significance of this milestone in the Coast Guard’s history. 

During the event, Rear Adm. Sugimoto outlined the program’s objectives, curriculum, and the benefits it offers to participating students. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the Coast Guard’s mission, its role in safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests, and the numerous career paths available within the organization. 

The Coast Guard established its first JROTC unit in 1992, in Miami. Under recent federal legislation, the Coast Guard is expanding the JROTC program to every Coast Guard District by 2025. The Mission Bay High School JROTC program, activated in August of 2023, marks the first West Coast program. 

***** 

Coast Guard 7th District 

MIAMI — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded over than 33,200 pounds of cocaine and 12,400 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $448 million in Port Everglades, Thursday. 

The offloaded drugs were interdicted during 13 separate cases in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea due to the combined efforts of: 

• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) 
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis (WMEC 910) 
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) 
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621) 
• U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – South 
• U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team 
• USS Farragut (DDG 99) 
• Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron 
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrews 
• Joint Interagency Task Force South 

“This offload is about national security,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “It represents one part of a very large and strong interagency team that works closely with our allies and international partners to interdict maritime smuggling of dangerous and illegal drugs into the United States.” 

Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperated in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied militaries and international partner agencies, play a role in counter-drug operations.  

“Our success hinges on our people. For the past 113 days, the women and men of James worked around the clock in support of the counter-narcotics mission,” said Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of James. “That being said, we cannot do this mission alone. We appreciate the immense support and dedication from our interagency and international partners that join us here today.” 

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea requires a unity of effort in all phases, from detection and monitoring to interdiction and apprehension, through criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in districts across the nation. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard 11th District, headquartered in Alameda, California, and the law enforcement phase of operations in the Caribbean is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard 7th District, headquartered in Miami. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard.  

These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) designated investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

James falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity. 

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.   

For breaking news, follow us on “X” (formerly Twitter). For downloadable imagery, visit our DVIDS page. For additional information, find us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, Oct. 27, 2023 

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew returned to homeport on Oct. 15 after a 28-day patrol that reinforced the U.S. commitment to sovereignty and resource security in the Federated States of Micronesia Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond.  
 
The mission, which was part of Operation Rematau and the broader U.S. Coast Guard’s Operation Blue Pacific, fortifies the U.S. reputation as a reliable, trusted partner in the region. 
 
Sovereignty and resource security are fundamental components of national and regional stability. Access to vital goods, particularly in remote island nations, hinges on the maritime domains’ secure and lawful use. During the patrol, the Oliver Henry crew dedicated 11 days in the FSM’s EEZ and two days on the high seas, logging 422 total operational hours and sailing 4,986 nautical miles. The team’s presence and surveillance capabilities bolstered maritime domain awareness and effectively upheld regional sovereignty. 
 
“This mission represents another pivotal chapter in the ongoing success story of Operation Rematau and the U.S. Coast Guard’s contribution to a free and open Blue Pacific. We continue to prove that our Service is not just a force for good but a dependable and committed partner in this strategic region’s long-term security and prosperity,” said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, reflecting on the broader objectives. 
 
The crew conducted three observation reports on Chinese-Taipei, Korean, and Japanese-flagged fishing vessels within the FSM EEZ and on the high seas, thus contributing to regional stability and resource protection.  
 
Additionally, the crew delivered new school supplies to communities on two FSM atolls and facilitated the return of the Nukuoro Elementary School principal. The mission ensured the delivery of over 6,000 pounds of supplies to Chuuk and Yap. The supplies include goods from UNICEF like 39 Schools-in-a-Box, 31 Early Childhood Development, and two Recreation Kits so children can play and learn even during emergencies. 
 
Further enhancing partnerships, the crew hosted the U.S. Ambassador to FSM, Jennifer Johnson and newly arrived Foreign Service Officer Amy Gradin in Phonpei. They toured the ship and discussed the invaluable role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in search and rescue and deterrence of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in FSM territorial waters and in the region. The Oliver Henry crew also took embassy personnel underway for area familiarization and atoll surveys. 
 
A unique part of these patrols is the human connection. Lt. Ray Cerrato, the commanding officer of Oliver Henry, emphasized this, stating, “The relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched will last a lifetime. From delivering school supplies to sharing best practices with agency partners, these interactions go beyond mere duty; they embody the human spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.” 
 
About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam 
 
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam serves as a linchpin for U.S. maritime interests in the region, fostering enduring partnerships with regional allies. The 300-strong team emphasizes maritime safety, security, and stewardship, reinforcing the U.S. Coast Guard’s long-standing reputation as a trusted partner in Blue Pacific. 
 
About USCGC Oliver Henry 
 
USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) is the 40th 154-foot Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter named for Oliver T. Henry, Jr., an enlisted African American Coast Guard member first to break the color barrier of a then-segregated Service. Designed for many missions, including search and rescue, national defense, and maritime law enforcement, the Oliver Henry plays a significant role in safeguarding national interests and preserving good maritime governance.