Cutter Spencer News

For the average person, tracking down a spare part is often merely an annoyance. But for the crew of a Coast Guard cutter, the availability of spare parts can be important to mission completion or greatly affect their work environment. The Coast Guard Research and Development Center in New London, Conn., is currently studying how the use of 3-D printing technology might improve mission readiness through logistical support. Now in the evaluation phase, 3-D printers are available…

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Diligence is scheduled to return to their homeport in Wilmington Saturday following a 45-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea. During their patrol, the Diligence crew conducted search and rescue operations off the west coast of Cuba and conducted drug interdiction operations in the vicinity of Columbia and Panama. In anticipation of Aviation Standardization, a three-day assessment of the Diligence crew's flight operations capabilities scheduled for early October, the crew practiced flight operations their first evening underway. An MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah in Savannah, Georgia, met the cutter crew to conduct deck landings, helicopter in flight refueling (HIFR) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) exercises.

Approximately 55 Haitians are being rescued by Coast Guard and Turks and Caicos rescue crews, 100 meters off the South Dock in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Wednesday. The Haitian migrants fell into the water Wednesday morning when their overloaded sail freighter capsized off the coast of Providenciales. The incident was reported from Turks and Caicos police to Coast Guard 7th District command center watchstanders Wednesday morning. Turks and Caicos officials reported they were on scene with the sail freighter when it capsized. Turks and Caicos police rescued 32 migrants and are continuing rescue efforts for any missing people in the water.

Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr. Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and Rear Adm. Paul Maddison, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Maritime Forces Atlantic, signed a memorandum of understanding on board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer in Boston, Friday, July 24, 2009. The MOU is to facilitate the exchange of personnel to enhance maritime domain awareness, promote the exchange of professional knowledge in operational matters, and improve tactical level interoperability in the maritime environment. Under the MOU, U.S.

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet joined Navy League New York Council members in observing Fleet Week New York 2009's opening Parade of Ships May 20 at a reception in southern Manhattan. "On behalf of the maritime forces of the U.S. and our Canadian ally, I'd like to relay the message that 'We love New York!'" proclaimed Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., to numerous civilian and military distinguished guests shortly before the ships were within sight. He pointed out the importance of such opportunities. He also thanked supporters of the Navy for hosting the reception to review U.S.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer, homeported in Boston, visits New York City April 26 for a mid-patrol break. The Spencer's crew spent four weeks conducting fisheries and homeland security patrols off the New York and New England coasts. While on patrol, Spencer's crew rescued the crews of two disabled fishing vessels and one fisherman who accidentally stabbed himself. USCG Photo/Mike Hvozda

The Boston-based Coast Guard Cutter Spencer received orders recently to deploy overseas at the request of the Department of Defense (DOD) to support Operation Enduring Freedom. This deployment is part of the Coast Guard’s longstanding, annual commitment to DOD security cooperation initiatives and fosters continued interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard. The 270-foot medium endurance cutter with a crew of about 100 departs Thursday for the Mediterranean Sea. A seven-man Coast Guard law enforcement detachment team based in Yorktown, Va. will also deploy with Spencer. While patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, CGC Spencer will be engaged in Anti-terrorism, Force Protection and Maritime Interdiction Missions and as needed by the operational commander.