Coast Guard Cutter Tampa crewmembers return home following 57-day Caribbean patrol

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 12/12/2020 03:00 PM EST

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News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
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Coast Guard Cutter Tampa crewmembers return home following 57-day Caribbean patrol

  Fireman Lukas Kuehne, a crewmember aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, homeported in Portsmouth, VA., helps move drugs during a contraband transfer aboard the cutter on an unknown date. The cutter crew conducted a 57-day counter-drug and migrant interdiction operations patrol. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/released)   A Cutter Boat - Over the Horizon boatcrew from the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, homeported in Portsmouth, Va., conducts boardings with Haitian sail freighters on an unknown date in the Caribbean. The crew conducted migrant interdiction operations missions off the coast of Haiti as part of Operation Southeast Watch. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)   Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Krafft, a boatswain’s mate, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Malcom Woods, a maritime enforcement specialist aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, homeported in Portsmouth, VA., fold an American flag during a burial at sea aboard the Tampa on an unknown date. With military precision, an American flag is folded 13 times before being presented to the deceased’s next-of-kin. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, after a 57-day counter-drug and migrant interdiction operations patrol, Saturday.

Patrolling known drug trafficking areas throughout the Caribbean and working with partner agencies and maritime patrol aircraft, the Tampa crew interdicted a vessel carrying approximately 170 pounds of cocaine worth $1.95 million.

Additionally, in a joint operation with various law enforcement agency partners, the Tampa assisted the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon, homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the interdiction of two fishing vessels, with 26 alleged smugglers, suspected of engaging in drug trafficking.

The Tampa’s efforts to combat drug smuggling in the Caribbean was part of Operation Unified Resolve, a larger effort to increase regional stability and undermine the influence of Transnational Criminal Organizations who routinely attempt to smuggle drugs throughout the region.

“I am exceptionally proud of everything our crew accomplished during this challenging patrol,” said Capt. Michael Cilenti, commanding officer of the Tampa. “Through my entire Coast Guard career, this has been one of the most dynamic patrols I have experienced, and I appreciate the resiliency and adaptability of our crew immensely. Additionally, Tampa’s exceptional commitment to readiness and individual accountability allowed us to sail healthy, on time, and ready to execute our assigned missions. Of course, Tampa’s operational success would not have been possible without the continuous support and encouragement from our friends and families. Their constant support allowed us to operate through the holiday season, focus on mission excellence and continue to serve our country. We could not be more grateful.”

The Tampa crew also conducted migrant interdiction operations mission off the coast of Haiti as part of Operation Southeast Watch. The Tampa frequently patrolled Haitian waters, providing a law enforcement presence and deterrent to potential migrants and embarked an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico, which was used as an additional asset to patrol Haitian waters for potential migrant vessels.

The crew of the Tampa celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday underway with a traditional meal served by the cutter’s culinary staff.

As the Coast Guard continues to conduct assigned missions, the service requires strict precautions to protect service members, their families, and the general public from COVID-19. The Tampa crew continues to confront the challenges and dangers of this pandemic head-on to ensure the crew remains mission ready.

-USCG-