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The USCGC Hickory (WLB 212), a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, arrives in Apra Harbor as it comes to their new homeport in Guam on Jan. 14, 2026, following a more than 13,000-mile transit over 71 days from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore through the Panama Canal. After an extended Major Maintenance Availability at the Yard, part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment Program that modernizes the entire Juniper-class fleet with hull repairs, system upgrades, and replacement of obsolete equipment, the Hickory is now fully revitalized. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Muir)

Jan. 14, 2026

USCGC Hickory arrives in Guam, restoring full buoy tender capacity in Oceania

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Hickory (WLB 212), a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, arrived at its new homeport in Guam on Wednesday, following a more than 13,000-mile transit over 71 days from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore through the Panama Canal. After an extended Major Maintenance Availability at the Yard, part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment Program that modernizes the entire Juniper-class fleet with hull repairs, system upgrades, and replacement of obsolete equipment, the Hickory is now fully revitalized. “This crew has shown remarkable resilience through extended separations and demanding preparations. We are excited to reunite with our families in Guam and eager to get underway on ATON missions that keep these vital sea lanes safe. As a multi-mission cutter, Hickory stands ready to support the full spectrum of Coast Guard operations in this critical region,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Lash, commanding officer of Hickory.

Jan. 13, 2026

Coast Guard interdicts 15 aliens near San Clemente Island

SAN DIEGO – Coast Guard members interdicted 15 suspected aliens approximately 24 miles southwest of San Clemente Island, Tuesday morning.At 9:43 p.m., Monday night, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center received a report of an unidentified vessel transiting towards U.S. waters and dispatched Coast Guard Cutter David Duren (WPC 1156) crew members.

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 Festival from Jan. 15 to 28, 2026. Only a captain licensed by the Coast Guard can transport passengers for hire and must do so in a vessel that has the proper lifesaving equipment onboard. Vessel operators who carry passengers for hire without the proper license face the termination of the voyage and possible fines that may range from $500 to a maximum of $117,608. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic)

Jan. 13, 2026

Coast Guard, federal and local law enforcement to patrol San Juan Harbor for illegal passenger vessel operations during 2026 San Sebastian St. Festival

Coast Guard, federal and local law enforcement crews will be on the lookout for illegal passenger for hire vessel operations in San Juan Harbor during the San Sebastián Festival from Jan. 15 to 18 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Only a captain licensed by the Coast Guard can transport passengers for hire and must do so in a vessel that has the proper lifesaving equipment onboard. Vessel operators who carry passengers for hire without the proper license may face the termination of the voyage and possible fines that may range from $500 to a maximum of $117,608. “With crowd projections for the San Sebastian Street Festival estimated this year at over one million people, we anticipate a higher volume of recreational and commercial maritime activity in San Juan Harbor.” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We are working in close communication and collaboration with city, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone. We caution the public seeking to gain access to the festival via the maritime route to be on the lookout for illegal passenger for hire vessel operators, and to not contract any operator who refuses or fails to present their captain and vessel 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 festival experience.”

A Customs and Border Protection marine unit rescues a capsized kayaker off the coast of Salinas, Puerto Rico, Jan. 12, 2026. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and coordinated with 911 and responding units to rescue the man from Aibonito, Puerto Rico, who reportedly was fishing when a wave caused his kayak to capsize approximately half a mile offshore. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

Jan. 13, 2026

Coast Guard, a Customs and Border Protection marine unit rescue capsized kayaker off Salinas, Puerto Rico

Coast Guard watchstanders and a Customs and Border Protection marine unit rescued a capsized kayaker off the coast of Salinas, Puerto Rico, Monday. The rescued man is a man from Aibonito, Puerto Rico, who reportedly was fishing when a wave caused his kayak to capsize, approximately half a mile offshore in three to four-foot seas. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a call at 3:35 p.m., Monday, from a 911 Emergency Service operator reporting a capsized kayaker and a broad general location off the coast of Salinas. Before all the information could be obtained from the reporting source, the call dropped and could not be reestablished. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to mariners and notified Puerto Rico Emergency Management, Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and Police Joint Force of Rapid Action of the distress situation.

Jan. 12, 2026

Coast Guard rescues stranded surfer near Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a stranded surfer, Friday, following an extensive multi-agency search effort near Surfer’s Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The 68-year-old male was in stable condition and safely transported to awaiting emergency medical service personnel at the air station. “What a terrific outcome!” said Capt. Robert Stiles, the deputy sector commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan and search and rescue mission coordinator for this case. “We activated the inter-agency search and rescue effort as soon as we received the information, especially after realizing that it had been more than 24 hours. It was truly a team effort and I appreciate the responsiveness and professionalism of Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, the Sector San Juan Command Center and our local emergency responders. This case could have easily had a different outcome. We urge all mariners and anyone entering the water to have a plan, communicate your intentions with someone and wear all proper life saving equipment.”

Jan. 12, 2026

U.S. Coast Guard saves 58-year-old mariner west of Guam

SANTA RITA, Guam — A 58-year-old mariner survived a vessel capsizing west of Guam Monday morning thanks to his use of multiple communication devices, staying with the vessel, and informing others of his plans, which enabled a rapid U.S. Coast Guard response. The mariner departed Merizo around 5 a.m. local time aboard the 22-foot white pleasure boat Solo 2 to fish near the Agat buoy and then head to the 9-mile mark. Adverse sea conditions, including a high surf advisory and a rip current statement, are currently in effect for Guam and likely contributed to the vessel capsizing. "The mariner’s quick thinking to activate his personal locator beacon or PLB, send a message via his GPS device, inform a contact about his plans, and remain with the capsized vessel until help arrived made all the difference," said Cmdr. Grant Johnson, the search and rescue mission coordinator. "These actions, combined with multiple redundant communication methods, allowed us to locate and recover him swiftly and safely."

A Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral boat crew rescues a person after their 24-foot vessel capsized on the Banana River near Kelly Park in Port Canaveral, Florida, Jan. 10, 2026.

Jan. 11, 2026

Coast Guard rescues boater from capsized vessel near Port Canaveral

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral boat crew rescued one person, Saturday, after their 24-foot boat capsized on the Banana River near Kelly Park.

A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a stranded surfer following an extensive multi-agency search effort near Surfer’s Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Jan. 10, 2026. The 68-year-old male was in stable condition and safely transported to awaiting emergency medical service personnel at the air station. (U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy of Air Station Borinquen)

Jan. 10, 2026

Coast Guard rescues stranded surfer near Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a

A Coast Guard Station Marathon boat crew rescued three boaters after their 21-foot vessel capsized approximately 12 miles north of Marathon, Jan. 10, 2026. The three boaters were in stable condition and safely transported back to Station Marathon with no injuries reported. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Jan. 10, 2026

Coast rescues 3 people from capsized vessel off Marathon

MIAMI — A Coast Guard Station Marathon boat crew rescued three boaters after

A Landing Signals Officer aboard USCGC Kimball (WMSL 756) directs a Cold Bay-based MH-60 helicopter during helicopter in-flight refueling operations in the Bering Sea, Oct. 31, 2025. The hook-up crew stood by to attach the fuel hose, a capability that allows the aircraft to remain airborne during refueling to support a sustained operational tempo and mission readiness. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Holtzhausen)

Jan. 9, 2026

Coast Guard Cutter Kimball returns to Honolulu after 120-day Arctic patrol

HONOLULU — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) returned to Honolulu, Jan. 1, after a 120-day, 16,500-nautical-mile deployment to the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska reinforcing maritime safety, security, and national sovereignty in the region. As the Arctic region continues to become more accessible and consequential, the demand for U.S. Coast Guard statutory mission services, leadership, and presence continues to grow. Kimball’s crew exemplified these efforts.