Coast Guard aircrew rescues man stranded on rocky outcrop off Playa Esperanza in Manatí, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 18, 2025
A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Borinquen rescued a man from crashing waves on an isolated rock formation along the northern cliff face near Playa Esperanza in Manatí, Monday.
“This rescue is a testament to the intentional and continuous training we conduct at Air Station Borinquen to intervene on someone’s worst day and bring them to safety,” said Lt. Luke M. Dewhirst, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the case. “I am incredibly proud of the safe and efficient work by the crew of 6038, as well as the expert coordination by our operations watchstander and personnel at Sector San Juan; amazing teamwork by all. We are always thankful for the opportunity to assist people in need.”
Coast Guard suspends search for missing kayaker near Mission Bay
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 17, 2025
SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing kayaker near Mission Bay at approximately 5:30 p.m., Sunday.
Coast Guard crews, along with personnel from the San Diego Lifeguards and San Diego Fire Department, searched a nearly 460 square mile area over the course of 52.3 hours, but found no signs of distress.
The search began on Friday afternoon after the San Diego Lifeguards discovered an overturned outrigger kayak approximately 500 yards west of the Mission Bay entrance channel. The vessel appeared new with no signs of use and was found broken in half.
Coast Guard transfers 31 aliens to the Bahamas
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 14, 2025
MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell's crew returned 31 aliens of mixed nationalities to The Bahamas, Friday, following three interdictions of illegal maritime ventures in U.S. territorial waters east of Miami.
Coast Guard cutter returns to Washington following law enforcement patrol
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 14, 2025
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) returned home to Port Angeles, Friday following a 65-day law enforcement patrol off the coast of Southern California.
As America’s maritime law enforcement agency, the Coast Guard is increasing presence in key areas to protect U.S. maritime borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
Availability of Public Notice to construct the new "C" street bridge over Sacramento River
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 13, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO — An application has been received by the Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District from the city of Sacramento for a U.S. Coast Guard Bridge permit for approval to construct the new “C” Street (replacement “I” Street) highway drawbridge across the Sacramento River at mile 59.5, between the cities of West Sacramento, Yolo County and Sacramento, Sacramento County, California (38° 35' 21.3" N, 121° 30' 21.3” W).
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to offload more than $275 million of cocaine in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 13, 2025
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) will offload approximately 37,256 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $275 million, on Thursday in San Diego.
The offload is a result of 11 separate suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions or events off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America by the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche in December through February.
The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche is one of four legend-class national security cutters, homeported in Alameda, California.
Coast Guard repatriates 16 aliens to Cuba
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 11, 2025
MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evan's crew repatriated 16 aliens to Cuba, Tuesday, following a maritime interdiction approximately 15 miles southwest of Gun Cay, Bahamas.
Coast Guard repatriates 132 aliens to Haiti
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 10, 2025
MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba's crew repatriated 132 aliens to Haiti, Monday, following a maritime interdiction approximately 50 miles southeast of Marathon.
Coast Guard interdicts 12 aliens near Point Loma
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 9, 2025
Coast Guard members interdicted 12 aliens aboard a 25-foot sail vessel approximately 12 miles west of Point Loma, Sunday.
At approximately 10:19 a.m, a Customs and Border Protection patrol aircraft and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter sighted the sail vessel.
Coast Guard ends search for missing aircraft near Nome, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 7, 2025
JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard ended its search for a missing aircraft with 10 people aboard after it was located Friday afternoon approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome.
A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew located the aircraft wreckage and lowered two rescue swimmers down to the aircraft. The rescue swimmers located three individuals in the forward part of the aircraft showing no signs of life. The remaining seven people are believed to be inside the aircraft, which was inaccessible due to the condition of the plane. The Coast Guard determined the severity of the wreckage was beyond the possibility of survival.
Coast Guard national security cutter returns to California following a 130-day Bering Sea patrol
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 7, 2025
ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) and crew returned to Alameda Friday, after completing a 130-day deployment patrolling the Bering Sea.
The Bertholf’s crew showcased how the U.S. Coast Guard is a unique instrument of national power that bridges the divide between defense, diplomacy, and law enforcement and creates opportunities to further national objectives and priorities.
Media Availability: Coast Guard, partner agencies to hold virtual press briefing for missing aircraft near Nome, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 7, 2025
KODIAK, Alaska — Media is invited to attend a virtual press briefing Friday with local, state and federal agencies regarding the search for 10 missing people who were aboard an aircraft that went missing Thursday approximately 30 miles southeast of Nome.
WHO: Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Troopers and National Transportation Safety Board
WHAT: Virtual press briefing
WHEN: Friday, 12 p.m. AKST / 4 p.m. EST
WHERE: Follow the link: https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/l/meetup-join/19%3adod%3ameeting_0de418ae474b44e882d32ed472ec1412%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22369ba0d5-02cb-4d2f-94fd-9212cc24b78c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221a89f247-91f2-44eb-a73a-0c222456d517%22%7d
Coast Guard watchstanders at the 17th Coast Guard District command center received notification from the Alaska Regional Command Center of a missing Cessna 208B Grand Caravan with a reported 10 people aboard transiting from Unalakeet to Nome.
The aircraft’s last known position was transponded Thursday evening in the vicinity of Norton Sound, approximately 30 miles southeast of Nome.
Aircrews from the Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard responded Thursday night, with first light searches planned for Friday morning.
The cause of the incident is unknown.
Coast Guard medevacs snorkeler in distress in Atlantic Ocean waters north of Dominican Republic
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 7, 2025
A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew conducted a medevac for a snorkeler from the motor vessel Sea Hunter in Atlantic Ocean waters, approximately 70 nautical miles north of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Wednesday.
The snorkeler was a 70-year-old man, U.S. citizen, who experienced a near drowning event while snorkeling off the motor vessel Sea Hunter.
“This mission presented a significant challenge, as time was of the essence and required meticulous planning of fuel, communications, and extensive coordination between Sector San Juan and the Sea Hunter crew,” said Lt. William Boardman, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the case. “Our team worked efficiently on scene to ensure a safe return to Puerto Rico. The patient was successfully transferred to Emergency Medical Service personnel and transported to a higher level of care. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Coast Guard searches for crew member in Eastern Pacific Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 6, 2025
EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN – The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) is actively searching for a Coast Guard crew member that was reported unaccounted for Tuesday morning, while operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Coast Guard Cutter Campbell returns home after interdicting $91M in illicit narcotics during Eastern Pacific Ocean patrol
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 5, 2025
NEWPORT, R.I. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WMEC 909) returned to their home port in Newport, Monday, following a 63-day multi-mission patrol to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Campbell deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) to advance the primary mission of interdicting illegal narcotics in known drug trafficking zones. Campbell’s crew conducted maritime safety and security missions while working to detect, deter and intercept drug-smuggling vessels.
Coast Guard rescues 5 boaters from vessel taking on water off Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Feb. 3, 2025
Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier rescued five boaters from a disabled vessel 13 nautical miles off Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, Saturday afternoon.
Rescued are four men and a woman, who came into distress after their 18-foot recreational vessel Michelle Marie II became disabled in eight-foot seas and started taking on water.
“The situation and conditions on-scene could have caused this vessel to capsize at any given moment,” said Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Coast Guard Sector San Juan Search and Rescue mission coordinator for the case. “Thanks to the quick response and swift coordination between Coast Guard watchstanders and the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier crew all five lives were saved, and a tragic outcome was averted. Although we are very glad everyone aboard the Michelle Marie II is safe, we can't overemphasize the importance heeding small craft advisories and paying close attention to projected sea-states and weather conditions before going out to sea.”
Owner of illegal passenger vessel sentenced to prison
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 31, 2025
NEW YORK — The owner of the vessel Stimulus Money, Richard Cruz, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Thursday after pleading guilty for his role in the July 2022 capsizing of the vessel while underway on the Hudson River that resulted in the death of two passengers, a seven-year-old boy and 48-year-old woman. Click the link above to view full news release.
First of 3 new Coast Guard cutters arrives to homeport in Kodiak, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 29, 2025
KODIAK, Alaska — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) arrived at the cutter’s new homeport in Kodiak, Tuesday.
The cutter is scheduled to be commissioned during a ceremony in April.
The Witherspoon is the first of three Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) scheduled to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak and is now the fourth FRC currently based in Alaska. While these ships will be homeported in Kodiak, they will operate throughout the 17th Coast Guard District to include the U.S. Arctic, Gulf of Alaska, and Bering Sea.
The crew of the Witherspoon will carry out integral Coast Guard missions such as maritime law enforcement and security, living marine resources, and search and rescue. They will provide security for Alaskan coastal communities as they continue to utilize the ocean for their livelihoods while preserving Alaska’s living marine resources in conjunction with our partner agencies.
“The crew is humbled to be associated to a namesake honoring Capt. John G. Witherspoon, a trailblazer who found enjoyment and purpose in leading and mentoring others,” said Lt. Cmdr. Adam Young, commanding officer of the Witherspoon. “It is fitting that the cutter’s first sail was no tall order, stretching more than 7,000 nautical miles from Key West to Kodiak. Throughout the last five months, the crew displayed remarkable teamwork and resilience, a true testament to the core values Capt. Witherspoon epitomized throughout his illustrious career. I couldn’t be prouder of the team we have onboard, and I look forward to experiencing the beauty of Alaska once again.”
The new FRCs arriving in Alaska are designed to replace the service’s fleet of 110-foot cutters that are projected to be decommissioned this year. The Coast Guard is currently scheduled to have six FRCs operating throughout Alaska by the end of 2025 to reinforce our maritime boundaries and shorten on-scene response times to support search and rescue efforts and better serve the people of Alaska.
FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment as well as over-the-horizon response boat deployment capability and improved habitability for the crew. The ships can reach speeds of 28 knots and are equipped to coordinate operations with partner agencies and long-range Coast Guard assets such as the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutters.
FRCs are 154-foot multi-mission ships designed to conduct drug and migrant interdictions; ports, waterways and coastal security operations; fisheries and environmental protection patrols; national defense missions; and search and rescue. Each cutter is designed for a crew of 24, has a range of 2,500 miles and is equipped for patrols up to five days. The FRCs are part of the Coast Guard’s overall fleet modernization initiative.
Coast Guard interdicts 21 migrants near Point Loma
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 28, 2025
Coast Guard interdicted a panga with 21 individuals aboard approximately 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma, Monday evening.
At approximately 10:45 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center of a 40-foot panga-style vessel traveling north approximately 40 miles south of the maritime boundary line.
Coast Guard, responding vessels rescue 4 U.S. boaters from life raft on the Atlantic Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 22, 2025
Coast Guard aircrew, the crew of the Crowley container ship El Coquí and the men aboard a fishing vessel rescued four men from a life raft in Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of Dominican Republic, Tuesday.
Rescued are U.S. Citizens David Potts, 63; John Potts, 62; Andrew Cullar, 26; and Russel Case, 67, who were forced to abandon the sailing vessel Mariposa after the vessel reportedly struck a submerged rock and was then overtaken by a wave which caused the vessel to roll on its port side. The vessel struck another rock which breached the vessel’s hull and started taking on water while additional waves flooded the vessel before sinking. The vessel Mariposa was on a voyage from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to Portofino, Tx, with an anticipated stop in Key West, Fla.
San Diego Coast Guard City announces the inaugural Coastie of the Year Award
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 22, 2025
U.S. Coast Guard in collaboration with San Diego Coast Guard City announces Petty Officer 1st Class Kirsten R. Allen, a diver with Regional Dive Locker West (MSRT-W), as the winner of the inaugural Coastie of the Year (COTY) during an awards ceremony held at Coast Guard Sector San Diego, Wednesday.
Coast Guard interdicts 26 migrants near Oceanside Harbor
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 21, 2025
U.S. Coast Guard crews interdicted a panga-style vessel carrying 26 individuals approximately one mile off shore from Oceanside Harbor on Monday morning.
At around 10:30 a.m., Oceanside lifeguards reported a disabled vessel with multiple people aboard that had run out of fuel. Assessing no immediate safety concerns, lifeguards notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center and remained on scene.
Coast Guard returns 58 migrants to Dominican Republic following maritime interdiction of 2 vessels near Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 16, 2025
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle repatriated 58 people to the Dominican Republic, Wednesday, following the interdiction of two separate vessels near Puerto Rico.
Four of the interdicted migrants remain in U.S. custody and face possible federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico on charges of attempting to illegally re‑enter the United States in violation of Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1326, and failure to heave in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2237.
Alaska homeported cutter earns cutter of the year award
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 15, 2025
Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley (WMEC 39) was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award.
For the second year in a row, Alex Haley earned the medium cutter of year award across the entire Coast Guard fleet. The Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award recognizes the ship that demonstrated exceptional performance across operations and mission accomplishment, commitment to crew and families, training and readiness, and engineering.
Coast Guard, local, federal agencies monitor refloating efforts for aground motor yacht off Culebra, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 14, 2025
Coast Guard Incident Management Division personnel from Sector San Juan, working alongside federal and local agencies, continue to monitor removal efforts, Tuesday, for the motor yacht Runaway, after the vessel ran aground on a reef in waters west of Ensenada Honda in Culebra, Puerto Rico, Dec. 30, 2024.
The owner of the motor yacht Runaway, who is coordinating efforts to refloat the vessel, completed the removal of approximately 160 gallons of petroleum products from the vessel, Friday. The fuel and oil removed were comprised of diesel fuel from the vessel’s fuel tanks and oil from the vessel’s engine.
Florida-based cutter returns home after 40-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 13, 2025
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Venturous (WMEC 625) returned to their home port in St. Petersburg, Dec. 11, following a 40-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Venturous’ crew deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) and conducted counter-drug missions in the Coast Guard Eleventh District’s area of responsibility.
Guardia Costera y agencias de orden público patrullarán la Bahia de San Juan durante las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 13, 2025
Las tripulaciones de Guardia Costera junto a las agencias policiales locales estarán patrullando la Bahía de San Juan del 16 al 20 de enero, para intervenir con los operadores de embarcaciones que realizen el transporte ilegal de pasajeros por contrato durante las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián.
“Durante las Fiestas de la Calles San Sebastian, nuestras tripulaciones patrullarán activamente con las agencias policiales locales para protejer la seguridad de las personas y las embarcaciones en la Bahía de San Juan”, dijo el Comandante Matthew Romano, jefe de respuesta del Sector San Juan. “Exhortamos a las personas a que utilicen las lanchas de la Autoridad del Transporte Marítimo y los medios de transporte público anunciados por el Municipio de San Juan. Apercibimos al público sobre los operadores ilegales de embarcaciones que buscan transportar pasajeros por contrato, a que no contraten a un operador que se niegue o no presente sus credenciales de capitán. Los operadores ilegales representan un riesgo a las vias navegables y a la seguridad de los pasajeros, por lo que es de vital importancia crear consciencia de esta situación para evitar cualquier incidente que pueda amenazar la seguridad de las personas en el agua y que también pueda arruinar su disfrute del evento”.
Coast Guard, local law enforcement to patrol San Juan Harbor for illegal passenger vessel operations during the San Sebastian St. Festival
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 13, 2025
The Coast Guard cautioned, Monday, that Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews will be on the lookout for illegal passenger for hire vessel operations in the San Juan Harbor during the San Sebastián St. Festival from Jan. 16 to 20.
“Our crews will be actively patrolling alongside local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of people and vessels in San Juan Harbor during the San Sebastian Street Festival,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We encourage those attending the festival to utilize the public ferry system and the organized means of public transportation announced by the Municipality of San Juan. We caution the public of illegal passenger for hire vessel operators, and to not contract any operator who refuses or fails to present their captain credentials. Illegal passenger vessel operators represent a risk to maritime vessels and passenger safety, so it is of vital importance we raise awareness to avoid any incidents that could threaten people’s safety in the water and ruin their plans to enjoy the event.”
FEATURE: Coast Guard Sector Virginia: A year of secure waterways
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 10, 2025
In 2024, crews assigned to Coast Guard Sector Virginia conducted over 250 maritime security and response operations consisting of patrols, fixed security zone enforcements, security boardings, security facility operations, and vessel escorts.
Here and across the country, the Coast Guard’s mission of Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS) is vital for maintaining the safety and security of the nation’s waterways.
Coast Guard announces operation RENEW 2025 to maintain heating oil supply
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 8, 2025
In preparation for the 2025 winter season, the First U.S. Coast Guard District has launched Operation Reliable Energy for Northeast Winters 2025, emphasizing the critical role of maintaining the flow of heating oil to the Northeast region. Click the link to read the full release.
Coast Guard repatriates 39 migrants to Dominican Republic
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 6, 2025
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos' crew repatriated 39 people to the Dominican Republic, Sunday, following an interdiction approximately 41 miles southwest of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.
Coast Guard rescues 4 from sinking vessel
PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 5, 2025
MIAMI - A Coast Guard Station Marathon boat crew rescued four people, Sunday, after their 27-foot vessel began taking on water approximately 11 miles north of Marathon.
U.S. heavy icebreaker departs Australia, bound for Antarctica
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 31, 2024
SYDNEY — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed Sydney, Friday, to begin their journey across the Southern Ocean en route to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025. While in Sydney, the crew hosted tours aboard the Polar Star for Consul General Christine Elder and guests from the U.S. Embassy.
Coast Guard building nation’s first Polar Security Cutter
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 23, 2024
The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Integrated Program Office received approval Dec. 19 to begin building the first Polar Security Cutter (PSC).
The PSC marks the first heavy polar icebreaker to be built in the United States in more than five decades.
Coast Guard accepts ownership of commercially available polar icebreaker
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 23, 2024
The Coast Guard announced it accepted ownership of the motor vessel Aiviq, a 360-foot polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker, from an Edison Chouest Offshore subsidiary Friday.
The vessel, acquired Dec. 20, will enhance U.S. operational presence in the Arctic and support Coast Guard missions while awaiting delivery of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) class.
Coast Guard, University of Hawai’i sign memorandum of agreement
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 19, 2024
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa signed an updated memorandum of agreement (MOA) Thursday to continue the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) scholarship program at UH Mānoa.
Coast Guard, local emergency response teams search for swimmer off Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 19, 2024
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard air and surface rescue teams continue searching alongside local emergency authorities for a missing swimmer off Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico, Thursday.
Missing is Brandon Smith, a U.S. citizen in his sixties, from Connecticut residing in Culebra, who reportedly was last seen struggling while in the water at Flamenco Beach. A Kawasaki Mule All-Terrain Vehicle, reportedly being used by the swimmer was found by local authorities at the scene.
FEATURE: A week in the life of protecting American fish and seafood
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 18, 2024
From Dec. 9 to Dec. 13, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Angela McShan and its 25 crewmembers took to the Atlantic to carry out an LMR law enforcement patrol, ensuring the sustainability of the ocean's resources and enforcing federal regulations designed to protect marine ecosystems and commercial fishing livelihoods.
Coast Guard, CBP, Dominican Republic Navy interdict 108 migrants near Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 17, 2024
U.S Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Dominican Republic Navy surface and air units interdicted three vessels carrying 108 migrants during three separate unlawful maritime migration voyages near Puerto Rico.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo completed the repatriation of 64 of the migrants from two of the interdictions to authorities from the Dominican Republic Navy in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Tuesday.
U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker returns home to Seattle following Arctic deployment
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 13, 2024
SEATTLE — The crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) returned to Seattle Thursday, following a 73-day Arctic deployment supporting scientific research missions, search and rescue operations, and training exercises in the region. The crew aboard Healy, a 420-foot polar icebreaker, conducted three distinct phases throughout the cutter’s 2024 Arctic Fall deployment.
San Francisco-based helicopter pilot presented with Distinguished Flying Cross
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 12, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO – The Coast Guard presented a Distinguished Flying Cross medal to Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad during a ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Thursday morning.
Conrad was recognized for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the aircraft commander of rescue helicopter 6562 during a rescue mission in Yolo County, Dec. 29, 2023. Three other members of that crew co-pilot Lt. j.g. Thomas Smith, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Sanchez, flight mechanic and Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Romano, rescue swimmer were previously recognized for their contributions in this rescue with Air Medals.
UPDATE: Coast Guard to issue publication of Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Base Seattle
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 11, 2024
The Coast Guard has issued an update to its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register for the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) regarding Base Seattle, which will extend its availability for public review until Jan. 10, 2025.
The original end date for review was Dec. 15, 2024. This extended schedule for the final PEIS allows more time for public review due to the complexity of the proposed actions and the presence of multiple federal holidays during the review period.
Media Advisory: San Francisco-based helicopter pilot to receive Distinguished Flying Cross
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 11, 2024
WHO: Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander Coast Guard District Eleven; Capt. Christopher Huberty, commanding officer, Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco; Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter pilot, Air Station San Francisco
WHAT: Presentation of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad
WHEN: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 8 a.m.
WHERE: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Francsico
1020 N. Access Road
San Francisco, CA 94128
CGA Leader in Residence named a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 11, 2024
Dr. Rich Morales was recognized as a newly appointed civilian aide to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth during a ceremony at the Pentagon recently. Morales serves as the Leader in Residence at the Admiral James M. Loy Institute for Leadership (Loy IFL) supporting leader development at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Coast Guard, partner agencies rescue missing woman from Ore. State Park following multi-day search
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 10, 2024
The Coast Guard and partner agencies rescued a 64-year-old hiker from Shore Acres State Park, Sunday afternoon. The woman had been missing since Friday evening after separating from the party she was foraging with.
On Friday, watchstanders at Sector Columbia River were called by the Oregon State Police requesting Coast Guard assistance in locating the woman due to nightfall, rugged terrain, and the individual’s lack of survival gear.
Coast Guard, Partner Agencies Respond to Boat Fire Near Seattle
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 9, 2024
SEATTLE – The Coast Guard, Seattle Fire Department, Washington State Ferries, and Good Samaritans responded to the report of a vessel on fire in Elliot Bay, Washington, Sunday afternoon.
The Coast Guard launched a 45-foot response boat medium crew and a 29-foot response boat small crew from Station Seattle after received reports of a recreational vessel on fire in the vicinity of Duwamish Head Light in Elliot Bay, near Seattle, around noon on Sunday.
Coast Guard Cutter Alert completes first patrol after relocating to East Coast
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 9, 2024
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) returned home to Cape Canaveral, Thursday, following a 60-day patrol in the Florida Straits.
This marked the cutter’s first patrol since it shifted home ports from Astoria, Oregon to Cape Canaveral in June of this year.
Coast Guard, tanker ship Orange Ocean rescue boater from vessel on fire sinking 410 miles north of Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 6, 2024
Coast Guard watchstanders and the crew of the tanker ship Orange Ocean coordinated the rescue of a solo boater in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 420 miles north of Puerto Rico, Friday.
Rescued is Kirill Vladimirovich Mikhaylov, 53, resident of St. Kitts and Nevis, who reportedly came in distress aboard the 46-foot sailing vessel Poesterd while transiting from Bermuda to the Eastern Caribbean Island of St. Maarten.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to hold White Alder memorial ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 3, 2024
NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a memorial ceremony at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Saturday, to honor the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter White Alder that sank 56 years ago, killing 17 Coast Guard members.
Coast Guard medically evacuates U.S. passenger from Celebrity Apex cruise ship near Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 3, 2024
A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew conducted a medical evacuation of a Celebrity Apex cruise ship passenger in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 140 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Monday.
The patient was a 64-year-old woman, U.S. citizen, experiencing an abdominal medical emergency which required a higher level of medical care ashore.
Coast Guard suspends search for multiple people near Couverden Point, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 2, 2024
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard has suspended its search Monday morning for five people after their fishing boat reportedly capsized near Couverden Point, Alaska, pending the development of new information.
Coast Guard crews searched for nearly 24 hours, covering more than 108 square nautical miles.
“We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the friends and family of the people we were not able to find over the past 24 hours,” said Chief Warrant Officer James Koon, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska. “I am deeply grateful for the swiftness of our crews and other search assets who came together to amplify our efforts and completely saturate our search areas. Our collective hearts are with the friends and families of those who are experiencing the effects from this loss.”
Involved in the search were:
-Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska
-Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
-Coast Guard Station Juneau
-Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20)
-Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Denman (WPC 1149)
-Alaska Marine Highway System vessel Hubbard
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska watchstanders received the mayday call at approximately 12:07 a.m. on VHF-FM channel 16 from the crew aboard the fishing vessel Wind Walker reporting they were overturning.
Anyone with new information about this situation is requested to contact Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska watchstanders at 907-463-2980.
Coast Guard medevacs 66-year-old woman from cruise ship off California Coast
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 30, 2024
The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 66-year-old woman from a cruise ship approximately 280 miles south of the U.S. and Mexico maritime boundary Friday.
At 7:12 a.m., Coast Guard watchstanders received a notification from a crew member aboard the Koningsdam, a Holland America Line cruise ship, requesting a medevac for a 66-year-old woman experiencing symptoms of a stroke.
Coast Guard announces San Juan Port’s Pier-3 West remains closed to cruise ships until further notice
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 27, 2024
Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan announced, Wednesday, that San Juan Port’s Pier-3 West remains closed to cruise-ships until further notice pending requested satisfactory assessment studies followed by a Coast Guard on-site inspection of the facility.
In April 2024, the Coast Guard established an operational control disallowing cruise ship operations on San Juan Harbor’s Pier-3 West, following an incident at the facility which resulted in the loss of a dolphin mooring structure just off the main pier. Following the incident, the Coast Guard issued a Facility Inspection Requirements form CG-835(f) to San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority notifying the established operational control until satisfactory mooring and berthing studies on the structure were provided to the Coast Guard for evaluation.
“One of the Coast Guard’s top priorities is safety of the nation’s maritime port facilities,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan and Captain of the Port – San Juan. “San Juan’s Pier-3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world. Since the loss of the facility's mooring structure, Coast Guard Prevention personnel have been actively working with the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine if the structure remains sound for cruise ship operations. We understand the inconvenience of this matter, however, it is critical we ensure the safety of the port, the cruise ships and the thousands of people who operate on or visit the island through this port facility. My team stands ready to move ahead immediately once we receive the awaited studies from San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.”
Coast Guard heavy icebreaker departs Seattle for months-long deployment bound for Antarctica
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 26, 2024
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed Seattle, Friday, beginning their deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze.
Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) is an annual joint military mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). This marks the 28th year that the Polar Star has supported ODF.
Los Angeles Coast Guard unit participates in subject matter expert exchange with Malaysia
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 25, 2024
U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Los Angeles Long Beach (MSST LA/LB) members participated in a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) with nine Royal Malaysian Customs (RMC) officers and 11 Royal Malaysian police officers (RMP), part of the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy in Langkawi (AKMAL), from Oct. 31 to Nov. 15, 2024.
Service members from both nations discussed and demonstrated law enforcement and seamanship best practices and tactics to bolster both regional security and maritime efforts.
Major Defense Symposium to be held at Coast Guard Academy
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 25, 2024
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy will host a cross section of defense analysts, operators and managers from government, industry and academia here for the Military Operations Research Society (MORS) 93rd Symposium June 9-12, 2025.
U. S. Coast Guard Academy Society of Women Engineers Earns Silver Status Recognition
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 23, 2024
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has recognized the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) SWE section with the fiscal year 2024 SWE Mission Award Silver Status. The USCGA section was honored for the commitment to continuous improvement and to the Society’s core values during SWE’s annual conference, WE24, held on October 24 - 26 in Chicago, Ill. The SWE announced the recipients of its annual recognition program, celebrating the successes of SWE members, SWE groups, and organizations that are enhancing the engineering profession and advocating for women in STEM. Examples of these accomplishments include pioneering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) initiatives, growing or retaining membership levels, increasing exposure to STEM via outreach efforts, or being granted a patent.
Coast Guard Cutter Valiant returns home after 46-day patrol in the Windward Passage
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 22, 2024
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621) returned to their home port at Naval Station Mayport, Nov. 7, following a 49-day migrant interdiction operations patrol in the Windward Passage.
Valiant’s crew deployed in support of Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast (HSTF-SE) and Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) while operating in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. Throughout the patrol, the crew of Valiant conducted maritime safety and security missions to protect life at sea and enforce U.S. maritime law.
MULTIMEDIA RELEASE: Coast Guard crew offloads $335.8 million worth of cocaine in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 19, 2024
SAN DIEGO — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) offloaded more than 29,000 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of $335.8 million, Tuesday in San Diego.
The offload is a result of eleven separate suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions or events off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America in September and October.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to establish first Hawaii-based JROTC
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 19, 2024
WHAT: Commissioning ceremony for first Hawaii-based Coast Guard JROTC unit
WHERE: Kalani High School, 4680 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.
WHO: Rear Adm. Sean Regan, commander, Coast Guard District Fourteen; Kalani High School principal and staff; Coast Guard leaders and personnel from surrounding units
Coast Guard Cutter Seneca returns home after 61-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 19, 2024
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC 906) returned to their home port of Portsmouth, Oct. 30, following a 61-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
During the deployment, Seneca’s crew conducted law enforcement operations on the high seas to disrupt illegal narcotics smuggling.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to offload more than 29,000 pounds of cocaine in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 19, 2024
Who:
Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander, Coast Guard District Eleven
Capt. James O’Mara, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) and crew
Mr. Joseph Hathaway, assistant special agent in charge, DEA, San Diego Field Office
Mr. Kevin Murphy, deputy special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations, San Diego Field Office
What: U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro crew to offload more than 29,000 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than $335.8 million.
When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday
Where: Broadway Pier, San Diego, CA 92101
FENWAY PARK TO HOST 2025 SECRETARIES’ CUP
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 18, 2024
Storied Football Rivalry Between U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Merchant Marine Academies Comes to Boston for the First Time on November 15, 2025
Coast Guard Cutter Stratton returns to California following 110-day Arctic deployment
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 15, 2024
ALAMEDA, Calif. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) returned to its Alameda homeport on Nov. 4, after completing a 110-day patrol in the Arctic Ocean, Chukchi Sea and Bering Sea. Stratton's crew departed Alameda on July 18 and supported U.S. strategic interests in the high latitudes and ensured the safety and compliance of domestic fishery operators. This was Stratton’s second 110-day Alaska patrol in 2024.
Coast Guard announces the publication of the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Base Seattle
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 15, 2024
The Coast Guard has published the final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the Base Seattle Modernization Project in the Federal Register, Docket USCG-2021-0183. The final PEIS will be available for review until December 15, 2024. The Coast Guard will issue its decision to either implement or not implement the proposed action after December 15, 2024. If the Coast Guard decides to implement the proposed action, the Record of Decision will detail the selected alternative and any necessary mitigation measures.
Coast Guard Holds Ribbon-Cutting/Commissioning Ceremony for New Air Station Ventura
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 13, 2024
The Coast Guard is proud to announce the opening of its newest air station at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. The ribbon cutting and commissioning ceremony was held today, marking the establishment of the newest Coast Guard air station in 25 years.
Air Station Ventura features a $70 million state-of-the-art, 48,000 square foot hangar and a 12,000 square foot administration facility, ensuring that Coast Guard personnel have the resources needed to carry out their vital missions. This new facility is expected to house three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and approximately 100 personnel, significantly enhancing the Coast Guard's capabilities in the region.
Coast Guard medically evacuates U.S. passenger from Carnival Vista cruise ship near Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 12, 2024
A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew conducted a medical evacuation of a Carnival Vista cruise ship passenger, Thursday, approximately 45 miles southwest of Mona Island, Puerto Rico.
The patient was a 69-year-old woman, U.S. citizen, who experienced health complications and required a higher level of medical care ashore.
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a communication from the Carnival Vista, Thursday afternoon, requesting a medical evacuation to transport the patient to a hospital in Puerto Rico.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to hold rescheduled commissioning and ribbon-cutting ceremony for newest air station in more than 25 years
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 12, 2024
WHAT: Commissiong and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Coast Guard Air Station Ventura
WHO:
• Vice Adm. Andrew J. Tiongson, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area
• Rear Admiral Joseph R. Buzzella, commander, Coast Guard District Eleven
• Rear Adm. Mike E. Campbell, director, Coast Guard Acquisition Programs and Program Executive Officer
• Cmdr. Amanda Sardone, commanding officer, Coast Guard Air Station Ventura
WHEN: Nov. 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu: 190 Third St., Point Mugu, CA 93042.
FEATURE: Coast Guard’s “Queen of the Fleet” turns 80
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 7, 2024
The USCGC Smilax (WLIC 315) celebrated its 80th anniversary on Nov. 7, 2024, during a ceremony attended by current and former crewmembers in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.
Commissioned Nov. 1, 1944 during World War II, Smilax is the oldest active Coast Guard cutter. It has been recognized as the "Queen of the Fleet" since 2011 when the USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167) was decommissioned after 67 years of service. This title is symbolized by its gold hull number.
Coast Guard Cutter Reliance returns home to Florida after 60-day Operation Vigilant Sentry patrol
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 7, 2024
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Reliance (WMEC 615) returned to their home port in Pensacola, Oct. 28, following a 60-day patrol in the Windward Passage.
Throughout their deployment in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility, the crew’s primary missions were to protect the safety of life at sea and deter dangerous and unlawful migrant ventures bound for the United States. Deployed in support of the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast (HSTF-SE) initiative Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS), Reliance’s crew worked alongside additional Coast Guard and partner assets to dissuade maritime migration and enforce immigration laws on the high seas.
Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Sector St Petersburg sets port condition Whiskey
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 4, 2024
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for St. Petersburg set Port Condition Whiskey for the Ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Seaport Manatee, and Ft. Myers, Monday, at noon, due to the expectation of sustained winds greater than 39 mph generated from Tropical Storm Rafael that may arrive within 72 hours.
Second boat capsizes near Bodega Bay, search for one continues
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 4, 2024
This morning at about 7:10 AM we received a call of a capsized boat with two men on board near Mussel Point, south of Salmon Creek. Our Marine Unit was already in the area preparing to search for the boaters who went missing late Saturday night. We were joined by Sonoma County Fire District, the Coast Guard, Goldridge Fire District, and California State Parks.
Coast Guard suspends search for 4 missing boaters near Bodega Bay
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 3, 2024
The Coast Guard suspended its search for four missing boaters at approximately 6:30 p.m., Sunday near Bodega Bay, pending the development of new information.
Rescue crews searched approximately 57 combined hours and covered more than 2,100 square miles. Two boaters from
the vessel were located Sunday morning.
FEATURE: Coast Guard Fifth District Commander conducts coin toss at Elizabeth City State University football game
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 3, 2024
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Rear Adm. John “Jay” Vann, commander of the Fifth Coast Guard District, attended the Elizabeth City State University Vikings final home game against the Bowie State University Bulldogs Saturday, where he kicked off the game by conducting the official coin toss.
As part of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard Pathways Program, Vann serves as the Executive Champion for ECSU’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). As the Executive Champion, Vann has the authority to select one student each year for the CSPI program.
Coast Guard medevacs 2 people following zip-line collision in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 3, 2024
The crew of a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter medevaced two injured people from the Carambola zip-line platform in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Friday.
Medevaced were Jason Bomar, 58, and Jeanne Glidewell, 32, both U.S. citizens, after they sustained multiple injuries associated with a high-speed collision on the zip-line.
"This case highlights the importance of teamwork,” said Lt. David Tirado Tolosa, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the medevac. “It was a complex location to hoist two injured persons, but our crew and the local rescue personnel did an amazing job stabilizing them which allowed us to conduct the hoists safely. We are very glad to have transported these patients to receive the medical care they required.”
Unified Command concludes Marina del Rey Vessel Fire 2024
PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 1, 2024
The Unified Command concluded its diesel fuel recovery efforts Thursday after a yacht, The Admiral, caught fire in Marina del Rey Sept. 18, 2024.
Coast Guard Incident Management Division responders boarded the vessel on Thursday and confirmed there was no remaining pollution threat from the vessel. Crews worked to recover the diesel, raise the sunken vessel, and remove any pollution threat from the vessel over the last several weeks.
Coast Guard rescues two boaters from Napa Sonoma Marshes
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 31, 2024
A Coast Guard aircrew rescued two boaters stranded in the Napa Sonoma Wildlife Marsh, in Napa, Wednesday evening.
The helicopter aircrew hoisted the two boaters after locating them 2-miles south of Napa County Airport in the Napa-Sonoma Wildlife Marsh.
Coast Guard repatriates 47 migrants to Dominican Republic following 3 at-sea interdictions near Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 29, 2024
The Coast Guard returned 47 migrants to the Dominican Republic between Thursday and Sunday, following three separate interdictions of irregular, unlawful maritime migration voyages in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico.
Ten of the interdicted migrants remain in U.S. custody to face federal prosecution by the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico on a range of separate charges including attempted reentry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. 1326, unlawful entry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. 1325, and failure to heave under 18 U.S.C. 2237.
Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous returns home following 51-day deployment in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 29, 2024
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) moored at Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 15, following a 51-day deployment in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South and patrolling within the Coast Guard Eleventh District area of responsibility, Vigorous’ crew conducted counter-drug missions to prevent the flow of narcotics and other illicit smuggling into the United States by transnational criminal organizations.
Coast Guard relieves commander and command senior enlisted leader of Sector San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 25, 2024
The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily relieved the commander and command senior enlisted leader of Coast Guard Sector San Diego Friday.
Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander, District Eleven, temporarily relieved Capt. James Spitler and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Dioquino following an investigation leading to a loss of confidence in both unit leaders.
Coast Guard establishes first Junior ROTC unit in New England area
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 25, 2024
BOSTON — The Coast Guard and Barnstable High School conducted a commissioning ceremony for the first Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) in the New England area, Friday morning. Click the link to read the full release.
Coast Guard relieves commander and command senior enlisted leader of Sector San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 25, 2024
The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily relieved the commander and command senior enlisted leader of Coast Guard Sector San Diego Friday.
Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander, District Eleven, temporarily relieved Capt. James Spitler and Master Chief Michael Dioquino following an investigation leading to a loss of confidence in both unit leaders.
Coast Guard commissions second Pacific Northwest-based Fast Response Cutter
PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 24, 2024
SEATTLE — The Coast Guard commissioned its 57th Fast Response Cutter and second one to be stationed in the Pacific Northwest during a ceremony held at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Wash., Thursday.
Coast Guard Cutter Florence Finch (WPC-1157) is the second of three planned Fast Response Cutter’s (FRC) to be homeported in Astoria.