Archive image: A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from the HITRON (Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron), based in Sector Jacksonville, conducts a training exercise with the tactical boat Midnight Express over the St. John’s River in Jacksonville, Florida.
During the exercise, after the pilots get the helicopter in to position, the gunner aboard the helicopter will simulate shooting out the engines of the boat.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Emery.
Cape Canaveral, Florida. — The crew of the USCGC Alert (WMEC 630) and a MH-65E Dolphin HITRON detachment returned to home with more than 1 ton of cocaine interdicted during a 45-day counter-drug patrol in the Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean. Thursday 15, 2026.
While underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility, Alert’s crew interdicted a go-fast style vessel trafficking illegal narcotics in the Windward Passage. The crew seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine (1,020 kilos) valued at $18.4 million, seven pounds of marijuana valued at $7,000 and an illegal firearm. The four suspected smugglers on board, narcotics and firearm were transferred to the Bahamas government for prosecution.
«I am immensely proud of my crew’s unwavering dedication,» said Cmdr. Mario Gil, commanding officer of Alert. «Time spent away from family and missed holidays represents a significant sacrifice, which makes their commitment to combating narco-terrorism and protecting our nation’s borders from illicit drugs all the more commendable, as demonstrated by the extraordinary success of this patrol.”
In the region, Alert’s crew also patrolled in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry while underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility. Crew member presence in the vicinity of Haiti served to deter unsafe and illegal migration.
By sharing knowledge and working together, the U.S. Coast Guard and Panamanian security services enable one another to share tactics and procedures, develop interoperability, and strengthen partnership between the two nations.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trey Woodard.
(This photo has been altered for personal security purposes by blurring out identification)
While transiting the Panama Canal, the crew had the distinct honor of hosting Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador to Panama, aboard the Coast Guard Cutter for a tour of the ship, discussions about current operations and a Miami-inspired lunch prepared by Alert’s culinary specialists.
The crew also supported U.S. – Panama relations by hosting eight members from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and Joint Maritime Force – Panama for joint training and a professional exchange of counter-narcotics best practices. Cutter Alert crew members conducted multiple joint pursuit-style, simulated interdictions with vessels and forces from SENAN. This training provided continued support of the Salas-Becker Complementary Agreement of 2002, which created a framework for U.S.–Panama bilateral cooperation to counter illicit drug trafficking by sea and air.
During a port-of-call visit to Golfito, Costa Rica, Alert’s crew welcomed representatives from the Costa Rican Coast Guard aboard for a tour of the ship and an embarked MH-65E Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), based in Sector Jacksonville. The visit fostered joint nation inoperability and strengthened international counter-drug efforts in the region.
While at sea in the Coast Guard Southwest District area of responsibility, the crew conducted boardings to verify and enforce international law at sea in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
In addition, Cutter Alert crew members earned the title of shellback after crossing the equator, a title few sailors earn during a career.
–USCG–
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