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.
Vigorous’ crew partnered with the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team - South’s (TACLET-S) Law Enforcement Detachment 405 (LEDET 405) to detect, intercept and board vessels suspected of illicit trafficking in the region.
During the patrol, Vigorous and LEDET 405 were successful in seizing 2,923 pounds of cocaine and detained 3 suspected smugglers, preventing an estimated $40.4 million in drugs from hitting U.S. streets.
“Our crew has displayed an extraordinary level of dedication and resilience throughout this deployment,” said Cmdr. Todd Batten, commanding officer of Vigorous. “Their tireless efforts and strategic collaboration with our international partners have resulted in this successful interdiction and the continued strengthening of relationships with our regional allies. I am profoundly proud of each member of this team. This achievement not only enhances maritime security but also underscores the power of collective resolve against the destabilizing effects of the drug trade.”
Support from TACLET-S, which is based in Miami, improves mission capability. As part of the Coast Guard’s deployable specialized forces, LEDETs deliver boarding officer teams for high-risk maritime interdiction operations. These units are highly-skilled and experienced in counter-drug missions and enforcing U.S. law at sea.
Following patrol, Vigorous’ command and crew had the unique opportunity to share the importance of Coast Guard missions with the local community it serves. Vigorous participated in Fleet Fest 2024, which was held at Naval Station Norfolk. Joining Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal (WPC-1128) and U.S. Navy vessels Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), the crew of Vigorous provided tours and took part in an event that hosted thousands from the local area.
Vigorous is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1969. Homeported in Portsmouth, the cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug and migrant interdiction operations, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.
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