USCGC Mohawk Completes Maritime Security Deployment in Gulf of Guinea

USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) sails in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 22. Mohawk is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth 6th to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. *U.S. COAST GUARD / Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Fontenette*

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The Famous-class medium endurance USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) completed a regularly scheduled deployment to the Gulf of Guinea on Sept. 2, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa public affairs said Sept. 6.

From July to September, Mohawk conducted maritime security and law enforcement operations as well as continued building valued relationships with allies and partners from Cabo Verde, Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone and Spain.

“I am extremely proud of this crew and all they have accomplished over the last three months,” said Cmdr. Andrew Pate, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk. “We are operating in a global Coast Guard and Mohawk’s ability to deploy across the Atlantic Ocean, and work alongside our European and African partners to combat piracy and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing drives home the United States’ commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the region.”

Mohawk’s deployment also demonstrated the United States’ longstanding commitment of supporting African partners with addressing their security challenges in the maritime domain. The U.S. maritime services routinely work with allied and partner nations to foster a united, global effort to safeguard free and open access to international waterways.

“The successful deployment of USCGC Mohawk to the Gulf of Guinea highlights our continued commitment to our West African partners,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “The U.S. Coast Guard is a valued member of the Joint Force, providing unique authorities and capabilities to aid partner nations as they address security and prosperity challenges. Our collaboration and sharing of best practices with our West African counterparts allows us to assist in combating narcotics smuggling, promoting freedom of commerce, and deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in their waters.”

Mohawk was forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) area of operations, and employed by U.S. 6th Fleet. This is the latest of several U.S. Coast Guard cutter deployments to the region.