After 58 days patrolling the Eastern Pacific Ocean, crew members of the 210-foot U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active recently returned to their Port Angeles, Wash. homeport.
During their deployment, crew members partnered with other law enforcement agencies to conduct counter-drug missions, including the interception of two suspected drug-smuggling vessels. In that instance, the crew found about 5,650 pounds of cocaine valued at an estimated $106.8 million in total on the low-profile vessels. The suspects were taken into custody for prosecution, the USCG said.
The crew also engaged in two rescue missions, assisting four stranded fishermen from their disabled vessel in one instance and an injured jet skier in another mission.
“This patrol was another superb example of teamwork across the interagency,” said Cmdr. James M. O’Mara IV, Active’s commanding officer. “Beyond our lifelines, interagency and partner nations shared information to develop cases, while U.S. Navy, Customs, and Coast Guard aircraft detected targets of interest. Active’s crew leaned forward, operated aggressively, and executed their missions with distinction.”
