Media Availability: Virginia based Coast Guard Cutter returns after multimillion dollar drug bust

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/07/2019 08:55 AM EST

united states coast guard 

Media Availability  

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
5th District online newsroom

Virginia based Coast Guard Cutter returns after multimillion dollar drug bust

The Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC-911) crew stand amongst 34,780 pounds of interdicted cocaine aboard at Port Everglades, Florida, Feb. 5, 2019. The Forward crew offloaded approximately 34,780 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades worth an estimated $466 million wholesale seized in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Murray A Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC-911) boatcrew recovers multiple bales of cocaine, which totaled approximately 2,535 pounds, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 nearly 69 miles southwest of Malpelo Island, Colombia. The bales were jettisoned from a suspected drug smuggling vessel with three suspected smugglers aboard. U. S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Cutter Forward

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

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Media are invited to Coast Guard Base Portsmouth Thursday, for the return of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward, after an 82-day counter narcotics patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The crew of the Forward seized over 14,000 pounds of cocaine during their patrol. Along with five other cutters, they collectively seized 34,780 pounds of cocaine in 21 interdictions, worth an estimated $466 million wholesale seized in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

WHO: Crewmembers of Forward

WHAT: Discuss the drug interdictions and rescue of three Ecuadorian fishermen.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. (Media should arrive by 12:30 p.m. for access prior to the arrival)

WHERE:

U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth

4000 Coast Guard Blvd.

Portsmouth, VA 23703

RSVP: Please contact Petty Officer Adam Stanton at 757-398-6003

Throughout Forward's November 2018 through February 2019 patrol, the crew worked with Department of Defense, Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security assets as well as other cutters across a 42-million square mile Joint Operational Area to combat Transnational Criminal Organizations. Through Forward's adept interagency coordination and management of embarked aircraft and cutter boats, the cutter was able to conduct fifteen boardings, interdict or disrupt eight drug transports and seize over 14,000 pounds of contraband with a street value of over $190 million.

In addition to the crew's successful counter-drug exploits during the patrol, the cutter also conducted a successful Search and Rescue mission 190 nautical miles south of the Galapagos Islands that saved three Ecuadorian fisherman.

"The interdiction and disruption of over 14,000 pounds of cocaine is a result of the collaboration and coordination of multiple Coast Guard and interagency assets to address the complex maritime challenge of Transnational Criminal Organizations," said Michael D. Sharp, the commanding officer of the Forward. "I am extremely proud of all the women and men that contributed to the mission success, it is a direct reflection of how the U.S. Coast Guard delivers mission excellence anytime, anywhere."

The Forward is named after Walter Forward, Secretary of Treasury under former President John Tyler from 1841 to 1843. USCGC Forward is one of the six 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia. Its missions contain a vast array of responsibilities such as such as maritime law-enforcement, illegal migrant and drug interdiction, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.

 

-USCG-