The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) returned to Cape Canaveral on Friday after a 33-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea supporting operations Pacific Viper and Southern Spear.
During the patrol, Vigilant escorted a motor tanker, which was seized by a U.S. Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea. Vigilant’s crew coordinated with naval and law enforcement partners to transfer personnel and provisions to the tanker. A law enforcement team from Vigilant boarded the vessel to provide security during the 600-nautical-mile transit to the United States.
Cmdr. Steve Welch, commanding officer of Vigilant, said, “I am proud of the crew’s adaptability and professionalism during this mission of national importance. Their performance ensured the safe execution of the operation in partnership with the Department of War.”
The original announcement can be found here.