Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returns home; seized $92 million in cocaine

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/13/2017 03:52 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Mar. 13, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast
Contact: 1st District Public Affairs
Office: (617) 223-8515
After Hours: (617) 717-9609

Coast Guard Cutter Spencer to return home; seized $92 million in cocaine

 U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer crew members secure the helicopter to the flight deck of the ship Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. The Spencer returned from a 74-day Eastern Pacific ocean patrol after seizing $92 million in cocaine.(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Midas)  U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer crew members pose with the illegal drugs they seized while on patrol Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. The Spencer returned from a 74-day Eastern Pacific ocean patrol after seizing about 1,400 kg of cocaine and 2,900 lbs. of marijuana. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Midas)

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

BOSTON — Coast Guard Cutter Spencer is scheduled to return to their homeport in Boston, Monday after a 74-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

During their patrol, the crew interdicted four drug-laden vessels, resulting in the seizure of approximately 1,400 kilograms (3,080 lbs.) of cocaine worth more than $92 million. They also apprehended 13 suspected smugglers with the help of their deployed helicopter crew. The Spencer collaborated with the Costa Rican Coast Guard in the seizure of another fishing vessel smuggling about 2,900 lbs. of marijuana.

"I could not be any more proud of my crew for keeping the drugs off the streets of the United States and ensuring a safer country," said Cmdr. Peter Niles, commanding officer of the Spencer.

Along with transiting the Panama Canal twice, the crew successfully conducted extensive helicopter training with Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida. The Spencer hosted 13 Coast Guard pilots from three different air stations and 14 personnel from six other cutters. In all, Spencer conducted over 200 helicopter flight deck landings in three days in order to maintain proficiency and hone the pilots' skills.

The Spencer is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter with a crew complement of 15 officers and 74 enlisted personnel.

 

 

-USCG-