Photo Release: Coast Guard Cutter Northland returns to Portsmouth after Eastern Pacific patrol

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/15/2018 04:04 PM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
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Coast Guard Cutter Northland returns to Portsmouth after Eastern Pacific patrol

Coast Guard Cutter Northland patrols the Eastern Pacific during an 81-day mission spanning December 2017-February 2018. During the patrol, the crew interdicted five smuggling vessels, detained 16 suspected traffickers and seized a combined 7,564 kilograms of cocaine. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt.j.g. Samuel N. Williams/Released)

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northland's law enforcement team performs a joint excercise at sea with Nicaraguan Naval Forces Jan. 25, 2018, as part of an 81-day patrol conducting counter drug operations in the Eastern Pacific. During the patrol, the crew interdicted five smuggling vessels, detained 16 suspected traffickers and seized a combined 7,564 kilograms of cocaine. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt.j.g. Samuel N. Williams/Released)

A low-profile trafficking vessel floats in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with Coast Guard Cutter Northland in the background during Northland's 81-day patrol spanning December 2017 - February 2018. The Northland crew intercepted the vessel and seized cocaine on board. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt.j.g. Samuel N. Williams/Released)

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. —  The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Northland returned to Portsmouth Thursday following an 81-day, counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific.

The crew of the Northland interdicted five vessels, detained 16 suspected drug traffickers, and seized a total of 7,564 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $252 million.

The crew conducted exercises with the Naval Forces of the Army of Nicaragua and participated in multiple events to help improve diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Nicaragua.

These events included a media tour of the cutter that included 13 Nicaraguan media outlets who were escorted by the U.S. Embassy public affairs team.

The crew hosted members of the Naval Forces of the Army of Nicaragua, including the Chief of Naval Forces and other senior officers, exchanged information on counterdrug interdiction tactics and practiced pursuit and boarding exercises off the coast.

While in Nicaragua, the crew also planted 1,000 trees in a local national park, and traveled to an elementary school to repaint facilities for the students.

"The phenomenal accomplishments of this patrol were the result of the outstanding performance of our entire crew,” said Cmdr. Marc Brandt, commanding officer of Cutter Northland. “When operations, international engagements, equipment casualties, or logistics needs extended our work hours or changes our schedule, this crew was completely dedicated to overcoming challenges by working together. It is an absolute honor to serve alongside everyone aboard."

Northland is a 270-foot ship whose crew executes maritime law enforcement, homeland security, and search and rescue missions in support of Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.

  

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