Coast Guard Cutter Confidence returns home from successful counter narcotics patrol

News: Coast Guard Cutter Confidence returns home from successful counter narcotics patrol

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

Subscribe To This Unit

Courtesy Story

Courtesy Photo

A boatcrew from the Coast Guard Cutter Confidence on scene with a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea March 2, 2012. Confidence crewmembers interdicted nearly 4,500 pounds of cocaine from the go-fast vessel.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — The Coast Guard Cutter Confidence returned to homeport in Port Canaveral Sunday morning after a 60-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea.

The crew of the cutter Confidence departed Port Canaveral Jan. 21 to conduct a homeland security, law enforcement, and counter narcotics patrol.

While underway, Confidence crewmembers were involved in two high speed chases of go-fast vessels suspected of illegal smuggling in the Caribbean Sea.

On March 2, Confidence crewmembers interdicted a go-fast with nearly 4,500 pounds of cocaine, which was turned over to authorities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On Feb. 9, Confidence crewmembers interdicted a go-fast with 1,000 pounds of marijuana, which was turned over to authorities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

The interdictions resulted in the arrest of six suspected smugglers, and the seizure of contraband with a total street value of $140 million.

Near the end of their patrol, Confidence crewmembers successfully conducted Aviation Standardization Training in Key West, Fla. Crewmembers were tested on, and validated their abilities to, successfully and efficiently conduct helicopter operations while underway.

The Confidence crew primarily conducts counter drug and undocumented migrant interdiction patrols in the Caribbean Sea.