Pascagoula-based Cutter Returns Home After 29-day Patrol

The Coast Guard Cutter Decisive returned to its homeport of Pascagoula Aug. 15 after a 29-day patrol conducting law enforcement and search and rescue in the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida.

The crew of the Decisive conducted commercial fishing vessel boardings while in the Gulf of Mexico and ensured vessel compliance with federal laws and regulations.

During one boarding on a commercial fishing vessel, two of its crewmembers were found to be undocumented aliens. They were taken aboard Decisive and then transferred to other law enforcement personnel in South Padre Island, Texas.

The Decisive crew also conducted a professional exchange with the Mexican Naval Vessel, Independencia, discussing maritime law enforcement and communications procedures, while in the Gulf of Mexico.

In the Straits of Florida, the Decisive crew embarked 19 Cuban migrants from the Coast Guard Cutters Ocracoke and Sawfish and transferred them to the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for repatriation back to Cuba. While aboard the Decisive, the migrants received food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.

The Decisive is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter and its 75 crewmembers are responsible for maritime law enforcement, homeland security, and search and rescue missions in the Gulf of Mexico, Straits of Florida and Caribbean Sea.

uscgnews.com