The crew of the US Coast Guard Reliance-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Diligence have returned to their homeport in Pensacola, Florida, following a 61-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, where they conducted counter-drug operations and fisheries boardings to enforce US federal law at sea and protect America’s maritime boundary.
Diligence deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South while underway in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. Crewmembers worked closely with international and interagency partners to disrupt drug trafficking ventures in the Caribbean Sea.
While at sea, Diligence's crew interdicted two separate vessels suspected of drug trafficking and provided logistical support to partners for several additional interdictions.
On April 12, Diligence interdicted a vessel suspected of drug smuggling. After a pursuit and use of disabling fire, the cutter's crew gained control of the go-fast style vessel.
After retrieving 28 bales of jettisoned marijuana, the crew of Diligence seized approximately 1,660 pounds (730 kg) of marijuana in total and apprehended the three suspected smugglers on board.
On April 23, a military patrol aircraft located a disabled sailing vessel approximately 170 miles (270 kilometres) off Colombia. Diligence’s crew boarded the vessel and seized approximately 40 pounds (20 kg) of cocaine.
During patrol, Diligence worked with the Royal Netherlands Navy offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen, US Navy assets, Tactical Law Enforcement Team – Pacific, and the coast guard cutters Campbell, Venturous and John Patterson.
The coast guard said the collective interoperability of these units highlights the importance of multi-national and interagency cooperation in support of maritime counter-drug operations.
While in the Eighth Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility, Diligence's crew conducted fisheries enforcement missions while underway in the Gulf of America.
While patrolling near the maritime boundary line near Mexico, Diligence’s law enforcement teams conducted five boardings of US commercial fishing vessels. These inspections ensured compliance with federal safety standards and fishery management regulations, supporting the coast guard’s mission to promote safe and sustainable fishing practices.
"Our success during this recent patrol is tied to a much broader effort that includes regional and interagency partners," said Commander Nolan Cain, commanding officer of Diligence. "The crew continues to work incredibly hard to secure the maritime border and bring narcotics traffickers to justice."