Coast Guard Cutter Midgett returns after 75-day counter-narcotics patrol

Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer George Degener | Fireman Stefanie Garrett, a member of the engineering department aboard Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, holds a sign saying yes in response to her boyfriend Chip Switzer's sign asking for her to marry him, as the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett arrives at its home port at Coast Guard Base Seattle, March 21, 2013. Midgett's crew has just returned from a 75-day counter-narcotics patrol. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class George Degener)  

SEATLE, WA, UNITED STATES

03.21.2013

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class George Degener 

U.S. Coast Guard District 13

SEATTLE - The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, a 378-foot cutter home-ported in Seattle, is returned to Coast Guard Base Seattle after a 75-day counter-narcotics patrol in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Thursday at 10 a.m.

While on patrol in the eastern Pacific in late February, the crew successfully interdicted a 30-foot fishing vessel that was carrying 1,100 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the vessel. Midgett’s boarding team confiscated the drugs, and detained the suspected smugglers.

Midgett’s crew also visited Bahia Malaga, Colombia, for a partnership exercise with the Colombian navy. The ship hosted the Colombian navy’s chief of staff, pacific operations commander, and several other senior personnel for a tour of the ship.

“This professional exchange and exercise served to bolster an already strong working relationship with an important regional partner in the effort to stem the flow of drugs through the Pacific transit zone,” said Capt. Laura Dickey, Midgett’s commanding officer.

The crew's return to Seattle was highlighted by a marriage proposal from Chip Switzer to Fireman Stefanie Garrett, a member of Midgett's engineering department. Garrett said yes to him.

For more information, contact the 13th District External Affairs Office at 206-220-7237.

• Date Taken: 03.21.2013
• Date Posted: 03.21.2013 18:04
• Story ID: 103898
• Location: SEATLE, WA, US
• Hometown: SEATTLE, WA, US