Coast Guard offloads more than $92 million worth of cocaine in San Diego

Coast Guardsmen prepare bails of cocaine to be offloaded from the Coast Guard Cutter Alert in San Diego, October 16, 2019. The crew aboard the Alert offloaded approximately 6,800 pounds of cocaine. 

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Gray.

SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard offloaded more than $92 million worth of seized cocaine in San Diego Wednesday.

The cocaine, worth more than $92 million, was seized in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The contraband represents four suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions by the crews of three Coast Guard cutters off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America between late July and early October by the following Coast Guard cutters:

• Alert (WMEC-630) was responsible for two cases, seizing approximately 4,000 pounds of cocaine
• Robert Ward (WPC-1130) was responsible for one case, seizing approximately 1,500 pounds of cocaine
• Seneca (WMEC-906) was responsible for one case, seizing approximately 1,400 pounds of cocaine

The Coast Guard Cutter Alert crew conducted a drug offload in San Diego, Oct. 16, 2019. The crew offloaded more than 6,800 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $92 million, seized in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Gray.

Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security are involved in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with allied and international partner agencies play a role in counter-drug operations. The fight against transnational organized crime networks in the Eastern Pacific requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring and interdictions to prosecutions by U.S. Attorneys throughout the country.

"I am extremely proud of this crew for doing their part to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets," said Cmdr. Tyson Scofield, Alert’s commanding officer. "The Eastern Pacific Ocean is a challenging environment, especially on a ship that is in her 50th year of service, yet this crew persevered to disrupt the illegal flow of narcotics that fuels instability in Central and South America. The counter-drug mission is as important now as it has ever been, and these brave men and women can return home after a 69-day patrol knowing they made a difference."

A suspected smuggling vessel drifts in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean after being intercepted by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert in October. Approximately 2,000 pounds of cocaine were seized and three suspected smugglers were detained. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The Coast Guard increased the U.S. and allied presence in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Basin, which are known drug transit zones off of Central and South America, as part of its Western Hemisphere Strategy. During at-sea interdictions in international waters, a suspect vessel is initially located and tracked by allied, military or law enforcement personnel. The interdictions, including the actual boarding, are led and conducted by U.S. Coast Guardsmen. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard 11th District headquartered in Alameda.

Bales of cocaine lie stacked under the deck of a suspected smuggling vessel in October interdicted by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Approximately 2,000 pounds of cocaine were seized and three suspected smugglers were detained. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The Alert is a 210-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Astoria, Oregon. The Robert Ward is a 154-foot fast-response cutter homeported in San Pedro. The Seneca is a 270-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Boston, Massachusetts.

-USCG-

Coast Guard along with a good Samaritan assist a taking on water vessel with 2 people aboard 4 miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet

MIAMI — Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce 45-foot Response Boat – Medium boatcrew assisted the 80-foot vessel Hush Puppy 4 miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet Sunday.

Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce received a notification from the 80-foot vessel reporting experiencing water intrusion four miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet.

A good Samaritan vessel arrived on scene providing assistance dewatering and patching the vessel after the Station Fort Pierce crew safely embarked the two people aboard.

Station Fort Pierce crewmembers safely escorted the vessel to the North Fort Pierce terminal.

No injuries were reported.

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Coast Guard assists 3 near Clearwater, Florida

A Coast Guard Station Sand Key 45-foot Response Boat—Medium boatcrew assisted three people on a vessel taking on water 15 miles west of Clearwater, Florida, Oct. 12, 2019. The boatcrew escorted them safely back to Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater and provided assistance dewatering the 23-foot Seafox vessel. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Patrick Brown.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard assisted three people on a vessel taking on water 15 miles west of Clearwater, Florida, Saturday evening.

A Coast Guard Station Sand Key 45-foot Response Boat—Medium boatcrew arrived on scene to remove two passengers and begin dewatering the 23-foot Seafox vessel.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a distress call on channel 16 at approximately 4:55 p.m. of the vessel taking on two gallons of water a minute and the pumps unable to keep up.

The passengers and vessel were safely escorted to the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater.

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Coast Guard medevacs man to Tierra Verde, Florida

A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg 45-foot Response Boat—Medium boatcrew medevaced a man 33 miles offshore from Fort DeSoto, Florida, Oct. 13, 2019. The boatcrew transferred the man in Tierra Verde to St. Petersburg EMS in stable condition for further medical assistance. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— A Coast Guard crew medevaced a man 33 miles offshore from Fort DeSoto, Florida, Sunday morning.

A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg 45-foot Response Boat—Medium boatcrew transported the man experiencing abdominal pain and weakness to Tierra Verde Marina in Tierra Verde, Florida.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a mayday call on channel 16 at approximately 6:38 a.m., followed by a report from a good Samaritan who saw three flares and made contact with the 27- foot fishing vessel owner.  

The Coast Guard boatcrew transferred the man to St. Petersburg EMS in stable condition for further medical assistance.

"The guy was experiencing a lot of pain and weakness, and they set off a flare that the good Sam saw to help us find them," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Rachael Fultz, the Station St. Petersburg station EMT. "We put him in a stokes litter to transport him to our boat and to EMS onshore."

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USS Wasp Enters 4th Fleet

CORAL SEA (Aug. 1, 2019)- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) transits the Coral Sea. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready response force for any type of contingency. 

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released.

From U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived in U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations Oct 1. The Wasp is transiting around South America while conducting a homeport shift from Japan to Norfolk.

“The entrance into U.S. 4th Fleet is a significant milestone for the crew–many of whom came with Wasp to Japan in 2017–and an excellent opportunity to visit our partners in South America, and to continue strengthening our relationships in this very important part of the world,” said Wasp Commanding Officer Capt. Greg Baker.  “I am very proud that these Sailors will be ambassadors of the United States Navy during our time in this fleet.”

Wasp will participate in maritime engagements enhancing interoperability with our partners.  Wasp is scheduled to visit Valparaiso, Chile and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil building on our strong relationships that foster regional security.  

The newly formed Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force–WASP departed with the ship including Marines and Sailors from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and El Salvador to provide amphibious and cultural subject matter expertise to South America. 

Embarking aboard the Wasp in Valparaiso will be a Combined Task Force (CTF) comprised of approximately twenty personnel from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. 

The CTF will focus on a mission analysis and planning for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise scenario. Training alongside our partner nations demonstrates the commitment to stability in the region. 

“Partnerships in the region are an absolute priority,” said Wasp Executive Officer Cmdr. Javier Medina. “By focusing on our partnerships in this region, naturally we will have better relationships that have the opportunity to bloom and become stronger, enhancing our mission set of ensuring security in the region, and being able to better act in any case of contingency.”

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For more news from USS Wasp (LHD 1), please visit https://www.facebook.com/USSWasp.

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U.S. Coast Guard participates in international forum focused on Pacific maritime threats

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia – The United States participated Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 in the 20th meeting of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (NPCGF) Summit in Vladivostok.

The annual event brings together delegations from the coast guards of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States. Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific Area commander, was the head of the U.S. delegation. 

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, search and rescue, illegal drug trafficking and pollution response are just some of the critical issues we face as maritime nations,” said Fagan. “This multilateral forum is an excellent opportunity to discuss these shared challenges and to find ways to increase our effectiveness through cooperation.”

In effect since 2000, the NPCGF was established to foster multilateral cooperation related to combined operations, exchange of information, illegal drug trafficking, maritime security, fisheries enforcement, illegal migration and maritime domain awareness.  The forum includes numerous working groups, each focused on specific threat areas, which plan joint operations and major exercises. 

A priority goal of the NPCGF is the planning of next year’s Operation North Pacific Guard (NPG). NPG is a deployment each summer of vessels, aviation assets and personnel to help combat IUU fishing in the northern Pacific Ocean.

According to the UN, IUU fishing deprives the international economy of billions of dollars and undermines the livelihoods of legitimate fish harvesters around the world. It impacts food security, affecting millions of people, including many vulnerable coastal communities. Combatting global IUU fishing through international partnerships is a priority for the United States.

NPG 2019 was designed to conduct law enforcement operations in support of regional fisheries management organizations in the North Pacific Ocean. Through the NPCGF enforcement coordination process, partner nations contribute to the at-sea enforcement effort by providing surface patrols, air surveillance or both.

In support of NPG 2019, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mellon, conducted an 80-day fisheries patrol. Coast Guard and Canadian fishery officers boarded 45 vessels and encountered violations ranging from improper gear to intentionally fishing for sharks without a license. Boarding officers also found evidence of illegal shark finning. Altogether, boarding teams detected 68 potential violations.

"Building and expanding partnerships is a priority for the United States Coast Guard and a strategic priority of our commandant, Adm. Schultz,” said Fagan, in her closing remarks. “To achieve this priority, we remain committed to this forum, as well as other multi-lateral forums and our respective bi-lateral relationships."

-USCG-

Coast Guard rescues man, dog off boat near Toledo, Oregon

The 36-foot fishing vessel Micke lists to starboard and is stuck in mud in the Yaquina River near Toledo, Ore. Oct. 6, 2019. A Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay boat crew rescued a man and his dog off the boat. 
U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Station Yaquina Bay.

NEWPORT, Ore. — The Coast Guard rescued a man and his dog Sunday afternoon after the man’s vessel ran aground on submerged pilings near Toledo.

A Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew retrieved the man and dog off the fishing vessel Mickey, which is listing and stuck in mud in the Yaquina River.

U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Station Yaquina Bay.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Bend received the call for help at 1:52 p.m. and directed the launch of the boat crew, which arrived on scene at 2:16 p.m.

No injuries or pollution has been reported; however, the vessel has a reported 100 gallons of fuel on board.

The owner of the vessel will work with the Port of Toledo to salvage the 36-foot double-ended troller.

The Coast Guard reminds mariners to carry up-to-date navigation charts or have properly functioning navigation equipment onboard the vessel.

-USCG-

Navy to Christen Submarine Oregon

U.S. Navy graphic.

From the Office of the Navy Chief of Information

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine, the future USS Oregon (SSN 793), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5 at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.

Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The submarine's sponsor is Dana Richardson. The ceremony will be highlighted by Richardson breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow to formally christen the ship, a time-honored Navy tradition.

"The future USS Oregon will play an important role in the defense of our nation and maritime freedom," said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. "She stands as proof of what teamwork — from civilian to contractor to military — can accomplish. I am confident USS Oregon and her crew will ensure our Navy remains safe and strong to proudly serve our nation's interest for decades to come."

Oregon, a Virginia-class submarine designated SSN 793, is the third U.S. Navy ship to honor the state. The first USS Oregon was a brigantine ship purchased in 1841 and used for exploration until 1845. The second Oregon (Battleship No. 3) was commissioned July 15, 1896. Known for one of the most dramatic voyages ever undertaken by a ship of the U.S. Navy, Oregon sailed over 14,000 miles in 66 days, leaving San Francisco in 1898 and travelling south through the Straits of Magellan until finally arriving at Jupiter Inlet, Florida, where she reported for battle in the Spanish-American War. While the ship demonstrated the capabilities of a heavy battle ship, it also eliminated any opposition to the construction of the Panama Canal, as the country could not afford two months to send warships from one coast to another in times of emergency. Decommissioned in 1906, she was later recommissioned in 1911, and remained in the reserve, until stricken from the Navy list in 1942.

Oregon (SSN 793) is the 20th Virginia-class attack submarine and the second Virginia-class Block IV submarine. The ship's construction began in the fall of 2014, and it is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2020. Oregon will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea superiority well into the 21st century.

Block IV Virginia-class submarines include design changes to reduce total ownership cost (RTOC) and increase operational availability by decreasing the planned number of depot availabilities from four to three.

Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities — sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

LCS Successfully Launches Naval Strike Missile

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 1, 2019) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) launches a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during exercise Pacific Griffin. The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that is designed to find and destroy enemy ships. Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released.

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Oct. 1 (local date) during Pacific Griffin.

Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies.

“Today was a terrific accomplishment for USS Gabrielle Giffords crew and the Navy’s LCS class,” said Cmdr. Matthew Lehmann, commanding officer. “I am very proud of all the teamwork that led to the successful launch of the NSM.”

The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that can find and destroy enemy ships at distances up to 100 nautical miles away. The stealthy missile flies at sea-skimming altitude, has terrain-following capability and uses an advanced seeker for precise targeting in challenging conditions.

Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, who oversees security cooperation for the U.S. Navy in Southeast Asia, said Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment sent a crystal clear message of continued U.S. commitment to maritime security in the region.

"LCS packs a punch and gives potential adversaries another reason to stay awake at night," Tynch said. "We are stronger when we sail together with our friends and partners, and LCS is an important addition to the lineup."

The NSM aboard Gabrielle Giffords is fully operational and remains lethal. The weapon was first demonstrated on littoral combat ship USS Coronado in 2014. It meets and exceeds the U.S. Navy’s over-the-horizon requirements for survivability against high-end threats, demonstrated lethality, easy upgrades and long-range strike capability.

Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment represents a milestone for the U.S. Navy and LCS lethality, and marks the first time that an NSM has sailed into the Indo-Pacific region. The successful missile shoot demonstrates value for long-range anti-ship missiles.

Gabrielle Giffords, on its maiden deployment, arrived in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility Sept. 16, for a rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. This marks the first time two LCS have deployed to the Indo-Pacific region simultaneously. Gabrielle Giffords is the fifth LCS to deploy to U.S. 7th Fleet, following USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the currently-deployed USS Montgomery (LCS 8).

Gabrielle Giffords will conduct operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region as well as work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Its unique capabilities allow it to work with a broad range of regional navies and visit ports larger ships cannot access.

Littoral combat ships are fast, agile and networked surface combatants, optimized for operating in the near-shore environments. With mission packages allowing for tailored capabilities to meet specific mission needs and unique physical characteristics, LCS provides operational flexibility and access to a wider range of ports.

$49.8M Contract Award to Support Littoral Combat Ship Program

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2019) The littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) prepares to enter port at Naval Station Mayport. Billings was commissioned at Key West, Fla. on Aug. 3 and will be calling Naval Station Mayport its new homeport. 
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian G. Reynolds/Released.

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs

Jacksonville, Florida (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded last month a $49.8 million contract to Walsh Federal LLC to build a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) logistics facility at Naval Station (NS) Mayport, Florida.

As NS Mayport is going to receive 14 LCSs to the base, construction of an improved logistics facility is expected to support personnel and crew assigned to these ships. The facility will support the LCS program, which includes the LCS Operational Trainer Facility (LTF).

“The LTF is a vital tool for training our Sailors in simulated real-world situations they may encounter while underway,” said NS Mayport Executive Officer Cmdr. Patricia Tyler. “The new facilities allow teams to effectively train in a safe and controlled environment, providing immediate feedback and lessons learned to our Warfighters.”

The contract provides for construction of a new four-story building and renovations to an existing building. Together, the two buildings will house the ashore component of administrative functions for deployed and in-port LCSs, as well as a portion of the training component.

The project also includes adjacent road improvements that will connect the logistics facility directly to a new parking garage that is being designed and constructed under a separate contract.

The work started Oct.1 and expected to be completed by August 2021.

Initiated in February 2002, the LCS program represents a reduction in time to acquire, design and build ships in comparison to any previous ship class. LCS is a fast, agile and mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. The LCS class consists of two variants: the Freedom and the Independence.

Currently, 33 LCSs are planned. So far, 16 ships have been delivered (LCS 1-14, 16 and 18), and 10 additional LCSs are under various stages of construction, as three are in the pre-construction phase.

LCS Successfully Launches Naval Strike Missile

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 1, 2019) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) launches a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during exercise Pacific Griffin. The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that is designed to find and destroy enemy ships. Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies. 

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released.

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Oct. 1 (local date) during Pacific Griffin.

Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies.

“Today was a terrific accomplishment for USS Gabrielle Giffords crew and the Navy’s LCS class,” said Cmdr. Matthew Lehmann, commanding officer. “I am very proud of all the teamwork that led to the successful launch of the NSM.”

The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that can find and destroy enemy ships at distances up to 100 nautical miles away. The stealthy missile flies at sea-skimming altitude, has terrain-following capability and uses an advanced seeker for precise targeting in challenging conditions.

Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, who oversees security cooperation for the U.S. Navy in Southeast Asia, said Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment sent a crystal clear message of continued U.S. commitment to maritime security in the region.

"LCS packs a punch and gives potential adversaries another reason to stay awake at night," Tynch said. "We are stronger when we sail together with our friends and partners, and LCS is an important addition to the lineup."

The NSM aboard Gabrielle Giffords is fully operational and remains lethal. The weapon was first demonstrated on littoral combat ship USS Coronado in 2014. It meets and exceeds the U.S. Navy’s over-the-horizon requirements for survivability against high-end threats, demonstrated lethality, easy upgrades and long-range strike capability.

Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment represents a milestone for the U.S. Navy and LCS lethality, and marks the first time that an NSM has sailed into the Indo-Pacific region. The successful missile shoot demonstrates value for long-range anti-ship missiles.

Gabrielle Giffords, on its maiden deployment, arrived in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility Sept. 16, for a rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. This marks the first time two LCS have deployed to the Indo-Pacific region simultaneously. Gabrielle Giffords is the fifth LCS to deploy to U.S. 7th Fleet, following USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the currently-deployed USS Montgomery (LCS 8).

Gabrielle Giffords will conduct operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region as well as work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Its unique capabilities allow it to work with a broad range of regional navies and visit ports larger ships cannot access.


Littoral combat ships are fast, agile and networked surface combatants, optimized for operating in the near-shore environments. With mission packages allowing for tailored capabilities to meet specific mission needs and unique physical characteristics, LCS provides operational flexibility and access to a wider range of ports.

U.S. Coast Guard observes 75th anniversary of Ulithi Liberation alongside partners in FSM

USCGC Kiska (WPB 1336) recovers their small boat while off Maui in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary during Operation Kohola Guardian. Coast Guard members from Station Maui and the Kiska and officers from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources conducted safety and compliance boardings on recreational and commercial vessels to inform the public of the requirements to avoid coming too close to whales or impeding the whales’ path. 
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Sara Mooers (archive photo Feb. 11, 2016).

ULITHI ATOLL, Federated States of Micronesia — At the invitation of the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, USCGC Kiska (WPB 1336) attended a remembrance ceremony Sept. 23, for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Ulithi from Japanese Forces during WWII.

Along with the USNS Vadm K. R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001), Kiska’s crew anchored in Ulithi Atoll, part of Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia and conducted community outreach, transported supplies from the Ayudah foundation out of Guam, and participated in the remembrance.

The crew of USCGC Kiska (WPB 1336), moored at Ulithi Atoll, part of Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia, prepare to go ashore to deliver supplies from the Ayudah foundation to the community Sept. 22, 2019. The Kiska is a 110-foot Island-class patrol boat homeported out of Apra Harbor, Guam. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo USCGC Kiska/Released.

The U.S. group comprised of U.S. Ambassador Robert Riley, his team, Kiska and U.S. Vadm K. R. Wheeler crews toured Ulithi high school, re-constructed with funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency after Typhoon Maysak ravaged the island in 2015, and ceremonies proceeded at the USAID-constructed outdoor pavilion, with speeches and local dances, songs, and chants performed by residents.

“The ceremony highlighted the importance of Ulithi Atoll during WWII, which at one point served as a major ship refitting station during the island hopping operations of WWII. The locals have a strong appreciation for their history, as well as a great sense of humor,” said Lt. Brenden Kelley, commanding officer, of Kiska. “They say jokes, being able to laugh at a witty turn of phrase is their poetry, and they live it! What an amazing island to visit.”

At the invitation of the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, USCGC Kiska (WPB 1336) attend a remembrance ceremony Sept. 23, 2019, for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Ulithi from Japanese Forces during WWII. Along with the USNS Vadm K. R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001), Kiska’s crew anchored in Ulithi Atoll, part of Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia and conducted community outreach, transported supplies from the Ayudah foundation out of Guam, and participated in the remembrance. 
U.S. Coast Guard photo USCGC Kiska/Released.

Ambassador Riley addressed the historical importance of the Ulithi effort in WWII, and reminded everyone the liberation was the beginning of “our unique and special relationship, forged decades ago.”

Yap Governor Henry Falan lauded the occasion, noting the positive benefits of the U.S. presence in the region resonated then and remain relevant now. Chief Ramon Payel, chairman of the Council of Tamol, spoke movingly of residents’ reminiscences of the kindness of U.S. Navy personnel, and further personalized his connection to the event by pointing out his father in one of the historic photos bequeathed to the island by the U.S. Embassy for the occasion.

U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy personnel joined the festivities and hosted U.S. and Yap officials for lunch on the U.S. Vadm K. R. Wheeler, contributing to the intercultural exchanges throughout the day.

Part of the crew went ashore via small boat to the main island in the atoll, Faralop Island, the day before the ceremony to play basketball with the Ulithi High School team and see the island.

“The kids came running to the small boat when they saw it near the beach,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Ivan Dorsey, a boatswain’s mate on Kiska. “We brought some candy to share, and they [the children] started bringing us shells they found and asking questions about the boat. They stayed over an hour!”

The crew also played basketball with the local team. It began with Lee, an island local retired from the U.S. Navy, who rang their “basketball bell” an empty high-pressure gas canister, letting everyone know of the upcoming basketball game. The Ulithi team beat the Kiska team in overtime.

“They all play very well together,” said Seaman Jacob Forgette. “And barefoot as well.”

The Kiska is a 110-foot Island-class patrol boat homeported out of Apra Harbor, Guam. The Coast Guard conducts regular operations to strengthen relations with allies and partner nations throughout the Blue Pacific. Kiska was in Yap July 3 alongside the U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2 for a port call and to deliver supplies.

-USCG-

IKE Completes Final Pre-Deployment Test

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2019) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean with ships assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 during a photo exercise to conclude Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) as part of the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. 
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marques Franklin,

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) took another step toward becoming a deployment-ready naval vessel, after returning to Norfolk upon completion of Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) Sept. 29.

“Ike Sailors have done it,” said Capt. Kyle Higgins, Ike’s commanding officer. “Through a mixture of patience, determination and perseverance, the Sailors of our mighty ship and the rest of the Ike Carrier Strike Group (CSG) completed our first Basic Phase work-up. We hold ourselves to the highest standard and push for perfection.”

TSTA/FEP is a training assessment that tests the ship’s ability to integrate with other assets within CSG 10, including the ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 and the aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.

The evolution was graded by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) and Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic, who embarked aboard the aircraft carrier for its latest underway.

In addition to working through the ship’s ability to integrate with other assets, numerous drills and exercises were performed to test the crew and its own level of readiness. These included mass casualty evolutions, shipboard firefighting, simulated man overboard, and various flight operations scenarios.

Over 15 separate training teams assisted in ensuring that the ship’s crew was battle-tested and ready for the evaluators to come aboard.

"Every member of every training team fully embraced their training responsibilities, and the crew performed at the highest levels" said Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Drage, the ship’s training officer. "We have made tremendous progress in a fast-paced training cycle, and our readiness is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Sailors."

To date, Ike has accomplished 98% of Basic Phase graded requirements. The Ike has also totaled 91 days at sea and conducted approximately 2,400 aircraft sorties.

The next step for IKE will be the Integrated Phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan, followed by Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), which will test all warfare mission areas of the ship and CSG-10..

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Coast Guard Cutter returns to Boston after offloading over 12,000 pounds of cocaine

The Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC-906) crew underway on the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The cutter Seneca is the sixth of thirteen 270' Famous Class medium endurance cutters in the United States Coast Guard fleet. Home ported in Boston's historic North End, SENECA moors within a short walk of such landmarks as the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, USS CONSTITUTION, and TD Garden - Home of the Celtics and Bruins.  

CoastGuard Photo.

BOSTON — The​ U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca returned home to Boston after a 93-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Friday, Sept. 27.

Seneca intercepted three drug smuggling vessels transporting cocaine from South America bound for the United States. The interdictions during this patrol resulted in the apprehension of nine suspected narcotics traffickers and more​ than​ 12,000 pounds of cocaine with a street value of nearly $174 million dollars.​

Bales of cocaine lie in the hull of a suspected smuggling vessel intercepted by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean August 17, 2019. The seizure of the contraband was one of three interdictions by the crew during a patrol of drug transit zones off the coast of Central and South America. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

"Counter-drug operations are a vital component to the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security's mission and our national security," said Cmdr. John Christensen, commanding officer of the cutter Seneca. "I am exceptionally proud of this crew who, over the course of the last three months, rose above the challenges of conducting operations at sea, persevered through many personal sacrifices and showed an unwavering dedication to serving our nation."

Throughout the patrol, Seneca rescued 22 Haitian Migrants, conducted joint exercises with the Honduran Navy, transited the Panama Canal, and spent several months combating illicit narcotics smuggling across the Eastern Pacific Ocean with a deployed armed Coast Guard helicopter team from Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville.

The Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC-906) crew offloaded more than 12,000 pounds of cocaine Sept. 20, 2019 at Coast Guard Sector Miami. The drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, including contraband seized and recovered by multiple Coast Guard cutter crews in more than a dozen interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lally.

These interdictions were in support of Operation Martillo, a regional​ initiative targeting illicit trafficking that threatens security and​ prosperity at the national, regional, and international levels.

Coast Guard Cutter Seneca is a 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutter with a crew complement of 100.​ Seneca missions include counter-narcotics, migrant interdiction, search and rescue and living marine resource operations from the Gulf of Maine to the Pacific Ocean.

For more information and video from Seneca's offload, click here.

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Coast Guard Cutter Valiant interdicts self-propelled semi-submersible in the Eastern Pacific

U.S. Coast Guard boarding team members climb aboard a suspected smuggling vessel in September. Crews intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in the Eastern Pacific carrying approximately 12,000 pounds of cocaine, worth over $165 million and apprehended four suspected drug smugglers. 
U.S. Coast Guard Photo.

JACKSONVILLE— The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crew intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in the Eastern Pacific. 

While on routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific, Valiant’s crew interdicted a self-propelled semi-submersible in international waters carrying approximately 12,000 pounds of cocaine, worth over $165 million and apprehended four suspected drug smugglers.

The semi-submersible was originally detected and monitored by maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), and the Valiant crew was diverted by Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) to interdict the semi-submersible, arriving after sunset. The Valiant crew launched two small boats with boarding teams made up of Valiant crew and two members of the Coast Guard Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, successfully interdicting the semi-submersible in the early morning hours, who subsequently led and conducted a full law enforcement boarding with the assistance of Colombian Naval assets that arrived on scene shortly after.

Members of a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant boarding team transfer narcotics between an interceptor boat and a suspected smuggling vessel in September. Crews intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in the Eastern Pacific carrying approximately 12,000 pounds of cocaine, worth over $165 million and apprehended four suspected drug smugglers. 
U.S. Coast Guard Photo.

Approximately over 1,100 pounds of cocaine were recovered and offloaded to the Valiant during the operations. The remaining cocaine on the semi-submersible could not be safely extracted due to stability concerns of the vessel. The joint boarding successfully stopped a drug smuggling vessel and also strengthened international relations and communications between the two partner nations.

According to Valiant’s commanding officer, the interdiction coincided with a time-honored mariner’s milestone and tradition of crossing the equator which made both events even more meaningful part of the ship’s patrol.

Bales of cocaine seized from a suspected smuggling vessel lie on the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant in September. Crews intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in the Eastern Pacific carrying approximately 12,000 pounds of cocaine, worth over $165 million and apprehended four suspected drug smugglers. 
U.S. Coast Guard Photo.

"There are no words to describe the feeling Valiant crew is experiencing right now,” said Cmdr. Matthew Waldron, Valiant’s Commanding Officer. “In a 24-hour period, the crew both crossed the equator and intercepted a drug-laden self-propelled semi-submersible vessel. Each in and of hemselves is momentous events in any cutterman's career. Taken together, however, it is truly emarkably unprecedented This interdiction was an all-hands-on-deck evolution, and each crew member performed above and beyond the call of duty. Additionally, we could not have successfully completed this interdiction without the love and support of our families back home, many of whom evacuated from Jacksonville this week for Hurricane Dorian. To the Valiant families, a heartfelt ‘Thank You!’”

The Valiant is a multi-mission 210-foot Medium-Endurance Cutter commissioned in 1967. Missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, homeland security, and national defense operations.

For more information on CGC Valiant, visit http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cgcValiant

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