U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche returns to Alameda after successful 113-day patrol in Bering Sea

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News Release

 

U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District
Contact: Arctic District Public Affairs
Office: (907) 463-2065
After Hours: (907) 463-2065
Arctic District online newsroom

 

05/22/2026 09:16 PM EDT

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) returned to their homeport in Alameda Friday after concluding a 113-day patrol in the Bering Sea. The cutter traveled 18,685 nautical miles conducting a broad range of operations including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue and the integration of new capabilities, all while projecting U.S. presence in the high north environment. The Waesche crew rescued five mariners from the fishing vessel Ocean Bay after it ran aground and began taking on water near Umnak Island, Alaska. The cutter provided on scene support while an Air Station Kodiak MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the fishermen to safety. Additionally, the Waesche provided communications and oversight during the aerial rescue of two hikers stranded in the Dutch Harbor mountains.
U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Garth Bowman, a landing signal officer assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751), directs an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Kodiak during flight operations in the Bering Sea, Feb. 21, 2026. Training is essential to maintaining unit readiness and proficiency for Waesche and the air stations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christian Swenk)