Archive image: USCGC Confidence (WMEC 619).
U.S. Coast Guard photo.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The USCGC Confidence (WMEC 619) and a HITRON detachment returned home following a 62-day anti-drug patrol to the Caribbean Sea. September 20, 2023. The Cutter Confidence has its homeport in Cape Canaveral and the MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) in Jacksonville.
From their homeport in eastern Florida, Confidence’s crew sailed to the central Caribbean Sea and conducted a counter-narcotics patrol with an embarked MH-65 Dolphin aircraft aircrew from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron while in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South. While underway, Cutter Confidence worked with air and sea assets from partner agencies, allied militaries, and other Coast Guard units.
Coast Guard Cutter Confidence’s crew conducted four separate drug cases within a span of four days and prosecuted an additional case while returning to homeport. In total, these five interdictions resulted in the apprehension of 15 suspected narco-traffickers and prevented the flow of over 6,000 pounds of illicit substances, valued at over $85 million, from reaching the United States.
In addition to enforcing U.S. law at sea and supporting the Coast Guard’s counterdrug mission, the crew of the USCGC Confidence also interdicted an unlawful migrant venture in the Mona Passage that originated from the Dominican Republic. While protecting the sovereign maritime borders of the U.S., the interdiction by Confidence resulted in the successful rescue of 42 migrants aboard the makeshift vessel, which was taking on water.
Coast Guard and partner agency crews interdicted the illegal narcotics during nine separate cases in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Santiago Gomez.
“I am extremely proud of the Confidence crew for their teamwork, devotion to duty and commitment to keeping the streets of the U.S. and our partner allies safe,” said Cmdr. Thomas Martin, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Confidence. “Members of all ranks showcased exceptional professionalism and perseverance over the course of this patrol, enabling our success. I also appreciate the contributions of our DoD, DHS and international partners, making this patrol a success.”
The seized drugs were later transferred in Miami to partner law enforcement agencies during Confidence’s transit home.
Aircrews from HITRON maneuver over a Coast Guard tactical training boat. After the pilots get the helicopter in to position, a 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.
Confidence’s crew steamed over 9,000 miles while conducting training, law enforcement missions, search and rescue, and helicopter operations throughout the Caribbean Sea deployment.
Confidence is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter with a crew complement of 70. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
–USCG–
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