Cutter Bertholf Returns to Alameda following Three-Month Patrol

A boarding team member from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf stands on top of a semi-submersible boat Feb. 1, 2021, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The Bertholf crew completed a 3-month, 15,000 mile, multi-mission patrol. U.S. Coast Guard

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) returned home to Alameda March 15 following a three-month, 15,000-mile, multi-mission patrol, the Coast Guard Pacific Area said in a release. 

In January, the Bertholf’s crew boarded three vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

“Early in the patrol, we interdicted three go-fast vessels over a span of six hours,” said Capt. Brian Anderson, Bertholf commanding officer. “We used every available resource including all three pursuit boats, our helicopter and Scan Eagle drone to successfully stop them in their tracks, resulting in the apprehension of four suspected drug smugglers and seizure of over 1,700 pounds of cocaine. It was quite an exciting evening and demonstrated our full capabilities and our commitment to keeping America safe and secure.” 

The Bertholf mobilized its advanced capabilities that included a small unmanned aircraft system, an attached Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron MH-65 helicopter and aircrew, and an embarked Law Enforcement Detachment from the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team. The crew spent more than 50 days patrolling the Eastern Pacific Ocean on a counter-narcotics mission that resulted in the apprehension of approximately 6,200 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of more than $107 million. 

“This is my last deployment aboard the Bertholf,” Anderson said. “It’s been a privilege to serve, especially with this crew, who have gone above and beyond in every respect to accomplishing the mission safely and effectively amidst a pandemic. I couldn’t be more proud of them.” 

The Bertholf is a 418-foot national security cutter, commissioned in 2008 and homeported in Alameda. 

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