U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca returns from Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific patrol in support of maritime safety and security missions

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kate Kilroy | U.S. Coast Guard Capt. James McCormack, the commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC 906), poses for a photo with his family at the cutter's return to homeport in Portsmouth, Virginia, Dec. 22, 2023, following a 65-day patrol in the Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean. Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Seneca worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct maritime safety and security missions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kate Kilroy)  

PORTSMOUTH, VA, UNITED STATES

12.22.2023

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kate Kilroy 

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC 906) returned home to Portsmouth, Friday, following a 65-day patrol in the Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Seneca worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct maritime safety and security missions.

During their patrol, Seneca responded to a sailboat in distress more than 100 miles west of  Dry Tortugas National Park in heavy seas. Seneca provided a vital communications relay between the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, Coast Guard Sector Key West, and a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 helicopter crew, which airlifted the injured mariner to the Lower Keys Medical Center for immediate medical care.

“The resilience and tenacity of Seneca’s crew was on display during our 65-day deployment to the Western Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean,” said Capt. James McCormack, the commanding officer of Seneca. “Seneca provided persistent presence in deterring transnational criminal organizations from trafficking illicit narcotics across the Central American region bound for the United States. The crew is eager to return to our family and friends for the holiday season and looks forward to our next mission protecting the United States and those at sea.”

Seneca is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2023
• Date Posted: 12.22.2023 15:35
• Story ID: 460700
• Location: PORTSMOUTH, VA, US