US Coast Guard Seizes 8 Tons of Cocaine
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane returned to homeport from a 94-day patrol in drug trafficking zones of the Eastern Pacific, after seizing approximately 17,203 pounds of cocaine from suspected smugglers, April 8, 2016. The drugs were seized from nine suspected drug smuggling vessels. The contraband is valued at more than $260 million. Harriet Lane’s crew worked in conjunction with detachments from the Coast Guard’s Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET) from San Diego…
Coast Guard tactical air squadron holds change of command ceremony
Capt. Kevin P. Gavin relieved Capt. Donna L. Cottrell as commanding officer of Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron Jacksonville during a change of command ceremony at HITRON Friday. HITRON is America's first airborne law enforcement unit trained and authorized to employ airborne use of force and intercept go-fast vessels suspected of transporting illicit narcotics toward U.S. borders. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Robert Parker, Atlantic Area commander, presented Cottrell with a Legion of Merit, highlighting many of her accomplishments. "Capt. Cottrell has led with superior grace and initiative," said Parker. Under Cottrell's command…
Coast Guard Turns Over $50m Worth of Drugs
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Northland turned over approximately 2,400 pounds of cocaine to federal agents in Mayport Monday following an at sea interdiction with the help of the Jacksonville-Based Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron near Guajira, Colombia, March 10. The transfer comes after Northland's third go-fast interdiction in as many weeks, yielding a total of 55 bales of cocaine and four bales of heroin with a total estimated street value of $50 million. Additionally, 11 suspected smugglers, and five persons suspected of supporting drug trafficking, have been transferred to federal agents as a result of Northland's law-enforcement actions.
Cutter Returns to Portsmouth, Va. After Patrol
The Coast Guard Cutter Bear will return to its homeport of Portsmouth after a 62-day patrol in the southern Caribbean. While underway, the crew conducted excercises with the a Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) in Mayport, Fla., where they trained in interdiction tactics. After the training, the crew steamed south to the Caribbean Basin, in an area known for narcotics trafficking. During 25 days of patrol in this area, a newly qualified watchstander on board spotted a small, fast-moving surface contact on the radar. The embarked HITRON helicopter launched and located a 40-ft. go-fast boat laden with narcotics and extra fuel drums. Before use-of-force tactics could be authorized, the go-fast headed back into territorial seas.
Armed Helos to Help Protect Waterways
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge recently approved the use of the Coast Guard's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) for armed specialized missions in our nation's ports and waterways. "The use of Coast Guard HITRON for armed aerial patrols will increase the level of security in our ports, provide an additional layer of defense, ensure the continued safe flow of commerce and deter possible acts of terrorism on our nation's key ports," said Secretary Ridge. The Coast Guard has used HITRON helicopters and crews for drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean and southeast Pacific Ocean since August 1999.
People & Company News
Michael Carthew, President, Chevron Texaco Shipping and Dean Taylor, President and CEO, Tidewater Marine were elected to the ABS Board of Directors, by the ABS Council, following yesterday's Annual Members Meeting of the classification society in New York. General Dynamics announced the appointment of John F. "Dugan" Shipway, 60, as president of Bath Iron Works, reporting to Michael W. Toner, executive vice president of General Dynamics Marine Systems group. Shipway succeeds Allan C. Cameron, 57, who has announced his retirement. Cameron had been president of Bath Iron Works since 1996. Edwin W. Stephan, a founder and former longtime president and vice chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., will retire from the Board of Directors following the company's May 20 annual meeting in Miami.
