USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902) returns following 38-day Caribbean Sea counter-drug patrol

Courtesy Photo | USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902) moors in Puerto Rico in September 2021. The cutter crew conducted a Caribbean patrol to combat illicit activity and protect the safety of life at sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)  

PORTSMOUTH, VA, UNITED STATES

09.22.2021

Courtesy Story

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

By Ensign Delaney Swift

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902) returned to their homeport in Portsmouth Wednesday after a successful 38-day counter-drug patrol in the Caribbean Sea.


Tampa's crew detained nine suspected smugglers and prevented 2,200 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $84 million, from reaching U.S. shores. 
 
The Tampa's crew patrolled the Caribbean performing counter-drug operations with the support of an aviation detachment from the U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron flying an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. In addition to Tampa's HITRON detachment, aircraft crews from the U.S. Navy and Customs and Border Protection provided critical aerial surveillance and reconnaissance for the cutter throughout the patrol.

Tampa's crew located eight people at sea in an unseaworthy makeshift vessel just days after getting underway. Tampa's team conducted a nighttime rescue, safely transferring each person to the cutter. Once aboard, the survivors were given necessary medical care, food, and water before being returned to shore. 

Tampa interdicted several go-fast vessels during the patrol and worked with maritime patrol aircraft and international partner law enforcement forces.
 
"Teamwork and perseverance were the hallmark traits of our crew this patrol. Working in unison to achieve our common goals, they stayed positive and ready, leading to mission success. This patrol is my first on Tampa, and I am extremely humbled and excited to be working alongside our skilled and talented team. I am truly proud of our crew and our embarked aviation detachment! Of course, the accomplishments don't solely belong to us – collaboration and support from team Coast Guard, our international and interagency partners, and our loved ones ashore were essential to our safety and success on the water," Cmdr. Sky Holm, Tampa's commanding officer.

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring, and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions for these interdictions by United States Attorney's Offices from the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of California. Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security cooperated to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and allied and international partner agencies play a role in counter-drug operations. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard Seventh District, headquartered in Miami. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by U.S. Coast Guard members.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to prioritize readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic and has taken strict precautions to ensure its assigned missions are executed. Tampa sailed with a nearly 100 percent fully vaccinated crew to ensure crew safety, donned personal protective equipment when conducting law enforcement operations, and tested for COVID-19 throughout the patrol.

Tampa is a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth. The crew routinely deploys in support of counter-drug, migrant interdiction, fisheries, search and rescue, and homeland security missions.

-USCG-

• Date Taken: 09.22.2021
• Date Posted: 10.29.2021 11:51
• Story ID: 408315
• Location: PORTSMOUTH, VA, US