ALCOAST 420/25 - OCT 2025 HITRON'S 1,000TH INTERDICTION

R 071420Z OCT 25 MID120012114494U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 420/25
SSIC 16216
SUBJ: HITRON'S 1,000TH INTERDICTION
1. I am pleased to congratulate the U.S. Coast Guard's Helicopter
Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) on achieving its 1,000th
counter-narcotics interdiction. This marks a significant milestone
in HITRON's 26-year history, showcasing the impact Coast Guard
aviation has on protecting the United States from a variety of
maritime threats.
2. At 1717 local time on 25 August 2025, CGNR 6539 launched from
USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for a
suspected go-fast vessel. CGNR 6539 covertly located the vessel
and observed the target of interest begin jettisoning packages.
The helicopter, under the cover of darkness, moved alongside,
conducted the appropriate Airborne Use of Force steps, and
ultimately stopped the vessel using disabling fire via a precision
rifle. CGNR 6539 then remained on-scene to provide cover to the
USCGC Midgett's boarding team as they took positive control of
the vessel and detained the suspected narco-traffickers. This
interdiction resulted in nearly 3,600 pounds of cocaine being
seized, worth $49 million in U.S. street value.
3. Of note, this was the first interdiction for the pilot at the
controls during the interdiction. This pilot, a MH-65E designated
First Pilot and former Department of War aviator, skillfully
maneuvered the aircraft alongside the vessel during challenging
nighttime conditions. Additionally, this was the first execution
of disabling fire by the assigned Precision Marksman-Aviation
(PM-A) who earned their PM-A qualification less than a year ago.
4. HITRON was founded in 1999 as a prototype unit to test the
ability of Coast Guard aircraft to employ precision fire to disable
narcotics smuggling vessels. With impressive early results, this
team grew from the initial ten personnel to its current size of
276 Active Duty, Reservists, and civilian members, including an
exchange pilot from the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. This recent
interdiction adds to the impressive work of HITRON over the past
year. To date for Fiscal Year 2025, HITRON has interdicted
$3.3 billion in illicit drugs during operations in the Eastern
Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Over the past 26 years, HITRON
has averaged one interdiction every 9 days!
5. I congratulate the men and women of HITRON for their outstanding
work to protect our nation. This relatively small team generates
enormous dividends for the safety and security of our nation.
Bravo Zulu!
6. VADM Nathan A. Moore, Atlantic Area Commander (LANT-00), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.