HEADQUARTERS

Dec. 1, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear returns home following 56-day maritime safety and security patrol

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, Friday, following a 56-day deployment in the Windward Pass and Central Caribbean. Bear worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, U.S. Navy assets, and Department of Homeland Security units to promote maritime safety and secure maritime borders, targeting unsafe migration and human trafficking from Cuba and Haiti, while prioritizing the protection of lives at sea. Bear’s crew also supported Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast’s Operation Vigilant Sentry and Joint Interagency Task Force South initiatives within the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of responsibility.

Nov. 30, 2023

Coast Guard responds to reports of oil along shoreline at Coney Island Creek in Brooklyn, New York

NEW YORK — Coast Guard Sector New York responded to reports of oil along the shoreline at Coney Island Creek in the Gravesend Bay area of Brooklyn, Thursday.

Nov. 30, 2023

Coast Guard approves oil recovery plan as clean-up efforts continue for WAPA’s tank 11 discharge, Lindbergh Bay oil spill in St. Thomas

The Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator approved Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (WAPA) Oil Removal Action Plan Wednesday, as clean-up efforts continue for the tank 11 diesel discharge at the Randolph Harley Power Plant in St. Thomas and the affected area of Lindbergh Bay. The Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator received and approved WAPA’s Oil Removal Action Plan in consultation with members of the Caribbean Regional Response Team (CRRT). “Cleanup efforts continue to move in the right direction,” said Capt. Robert M. Pirone, Coast Guard Acting Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the response. “There are a lot of moving parts as clean-up crews utilize heavy mechanical equipment to expedite oil recovery activities and build access roads while working in a challenging geographical landscape.  These efforts seek to ensure the oil is cleaned up as soon as possible to remove this pollution threat from the environment in the best and safest possible way.”

Nov. 30, 2023

USCGC Frederick Hatch concludes historic patrol with engagements in the Philippines, fisheries enforcement in Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) successfully concluded a routine 47-day expeditionary patrol covering more than 8,200 nautical miles under Operation Blue Pacific, returning to Guam on Thanksgiving, distinguished by a series of historic and strategic engagements across the Western Pacific and Oceania. "USCGC Frederick Hatch's highly successful patrol is a testament to the diligence and expertise of the crew onboard, always remaining positive and overcoming numerous challenges to continually set the standard for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific. Their efforts to keep our equipment functioning properly, go over the rail regularly for boardings, and cook meals in heavy seas is what makes the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region so strong. Our people are the best at what they do and always ready to go above and beyond when asked, which is the basis for being a trusted partner and fostering strong international alliances,” said Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of the Frederick Hatch.

Nov. 29, 2023

UPDATE: Unified Command continues response to tar balls near Long Branch, New Jersey

NEW YORK— The unified command composed of the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, continued their response, Wednesday, to reports of tar balls on the beach from Sea Bright, New Jersey, south to Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Nov. 29, 2023

San Francisco-based U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder returns to home port after conducting first high-seas boardings off the coast of Peru, under new SPRFMO measure

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alder, along with the crews of the Terrell Horne and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft recently completed the first high-seas boardings and inspections, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, under a newly adopted conservation and management measure to monitor and inspect fishing and supply vessel operations at-sea in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) Convention Area.  The crew of the Alder performed many new operations that took them south of the equator, where they would participate in SPRFMO inspections, conducting boardings and overflights within the SPRFMO Convention Area on the high seas off the coast of Peru. For years, the Coast Guard has executed counter-illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing operations and participated in high seas boarding and inspections (HSBI) around the globe. This operation was significant as it was timed to implement newly adopted rules in the SPRFMO Convention Area, which comprises nearly a quarter of the Earth’s high seas. The SPRFMO Commission consists of 17 members from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, as well as two cooperating non-contracting parties.

Nov. 29, 2023

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Coast Guard Machinery Technician Rating

YORKTOWN, V.A. — Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the

Nov. 29, 2023

Feature: Beyond borders and boundaries - Embracing adaptation and teamwork with Ensign Peyton Phillips

Discover the inspiring journey of Ensign Peyton Phillips aboard the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139), a testament to the diversity and strength of the U.S. Coast Guard. As a 2023 U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate, Phillips serves as the first lieutenant on Myrtle Hazard, a key role in managing the synergy between the ship's departments. These Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) play a pivotal role in maintaining security and enforcing laws in the challenging Blue Pacific waters. Phillips' unique background, including his proficiency in Japanese from his time in Japan and Taiwan, was instrumental during the Myrtle Hazard’s patrol in support of Operation Blue Pacific. His collaboration with Cadets Genzo and Seiji Gonzales led to the creation of a Japanese translation sheet, enhancing communication during operations. With a deep family connection to aviation, Phillips aspires to become a pilot, reflecting his dedication to service. His story is a vivid example of how diverse experiences enrich the U.S. Coast Guard's effectiveness in complex and international missions.

Nov. 28, 2023

Unified Command established in response to tar balls near Long Branch, New Jersey

NEW YORK— A unified command was established Tuesday, consisting of the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, in response to reports of tar balls in the vicinity of Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Nov. 28, 2023

Coast Guard, CBP, Dominican Republic Navy rescue 60 migrants from makeshift vessel taking on water

Coast Guard air and surface units combined efforts with a CBP aircrew and a Dominican Republic Navy patrol boat to rescue 60 migrants from a 35-foot makeshift vessel taking on water off the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan were alerted late Monday night by the aircrew of a Coast Guard HC-144 ocean sentry aircraft who detected the grossly overloaded vessel, approximately 13 nautical miles offshore.