Coast Guard air crews and maintenance personnel from Air Station Clearwater, Florida, deployed to Great Inagua in September to support Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT). 

OPBAT was established in 1982 to counter cocaine smuggling from Columbia, but has developed into a combined U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection operation in partnership with the governments of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom to combat drug smuggling to and from the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. 

Editor's note: Click on photos for link to high resolution versions

Also, read OPBAT- Beyond the drugs for an in-depth look at OPBAT operations in Great Inagua.

For breaking news follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast

FORT BRAGG, Calif. — The Coast Guard rescued four people Tuesday after their inflatable boat capsized off Stillwell Point, south of Mendocino. 

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay personnel were notified by the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) that a 16-foot gray inflatable boat capsized, leaving four people in distress a quarter mile offshore.

The four survivors reportedly donned life vests after entering the water and transmitted a distress signal using a handheld GPS device. Wave action and proximity to offshore rocks prevented the survivors from regaining control of their vessel.

At approximately 10:40 a.m., a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Noyo River was dispatched to the position provided. The crew arrived on scene, pulled all survivors aboard and returned to Station Noyo River, where EMS personnel were standing by.

The survivors were evaluated and released without injury. Following the rescue, the inflatable boat was recovered by the Coast Guard and towed to Station Noyo River.

CAPE MAY, N.J. – The Council on Recruit Basic Training kicked off its annual meeting at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, N.J., Wednesday.

The CORBT mission is to address common issues found in recruit basic military training across all branches of service and to share policies, ideas, lessons learned and procedures which can improve entry-level service training programs.

“This council is important to improving our service by helping create an efficient training environment,” said Capt. Owen Gibbons, commanding officer Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. “By taking lessons from other services who may have encountered similar issues, we can improve our methods of training and ensure that we produce the highest quality Coast Guardsman ready for the rigors of our service in the safest and most impactful way.”

Membership in the CORBT consists of senior officers and enlisted from all services including Maj. Gen. Anthony C. Funkhouser, commanding general of U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Robert D. Labrutta, commander, Second Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Rear. Adm. David Throop, commander, Coast Guard Force Readiness Command, Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, commanding officer, Naval Service Training Command, and Mr. Dennis C. Thompson, Executive deputy of Training and Education Command, Marine Corps Base Quantico.

In addition to the United States armed service branches, Major General T.D. Hyams, OBE, from British armed forces in charge of Britain’s Army Recruiting and Training Division is also present.

The CORBT is scheduled to adjourn their meeting Friday.

Coast Guard Capt. Owen Gibbons, commanding officer of Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., attends a briefing during the annual Council on Recruit Basic Training, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. This year the meeting is being hosted by the Coast Guard and aims to share best practices for recruit training from across all armed services. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards)

Coast Guard Rear Adm. David Throop, commander, Coast Guard Force Readiness Command, listens to a briefing during the kick off of the annual Council on Recruit Basic Training meeting at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. The council gathers to discuss best practices and share lessons learned with regards to recruit basic training across the different branches of service. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards)

MIAMI - The Coast Guard is searching Wednesday for an overdue boater in the Intracoastal Waterway near Jensen Beach.

Missing is Stuart Savanuck, 66.

Savanuck left in a 23-foot beige center-console rental boat from Jensen Beach Boat Rentals, Monday at 10 a.m. heading south to fish and was scheduled to return that afternoon at approximately 5 p.m. A staff member from the Jensen Beach Boat Rentals company contacted watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Miami Monday afternoon to report Savanuck had failed to return.

Rescue crews from Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, Station Lake Worth Inlet, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrews were launched at Tuesday at 4:30 a.m. to search a 11,310 square mile search area from Port St Lucie to West End, Bahamas.

Boaters are encouraged to remain vigilant while in the area and to render aid and assistance if necessary. Anyone with information on the location of the missing boater is encouraged to contact the Sector Miami Command Center at 305-535-4472 or on the radio at VHF-FM marine radio channel 16.

For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.

Coast Guard transferred custody of two suspected smugglers and multiple bales of cocaine to federal law enforcement authorities at Coast Guard Sector San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico Nov. 10, 2016. In total, 1,158  pounds of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value of $13.1 million were seized as a result multi-agency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Unified Resolve and Operation Caribbean Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ricardo Castrodad, Sector San Juan Public Affairs Specialist)

Coast Guard transferred custody of two suspected smugglers and multiple bales of cocaine to federal law enforcement authorities at Coast Guard Sector San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico Nov. 10, 2016. In total, 1,158 pounds of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value of $13.1 million were seized as a result multi-agency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Unified Resolve and Operation Caribbean Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ricardo Castrodad, Sector San Juan Public Affairs Specialist)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guardsmen offloaded and transferred custody of two suspected smugglers and approximately 1,158 pounds of cocaine to federal law enforcement authorities at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan Thursday.

The seized contraband is estimated to have a wholesale value of $13.1 million.

The interdiction and seizure of contraband was the result of ongoing multi-agency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Unified Resolve and Operation Caribbean Guard.

During the evening of Nov. 3, 2016, the crew of a Customs and Border Protection maritime patrol aircraft on a routine patrol located a suspicious go-fast vessel just off Puerto Rico.

The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge was diverted to interdict the suspect vessel.  The cutter crew interdicted the go-fast, detained the two suspected smugglers and seized numerous bales which tested positive for cocaine. 

“The strong interagency relationships and integration of the Fast Response Cutter are delivering exceptional results in stopping illegal drug trafficking at-sea throughout our area of responsibility,” said Capt. Robert W. Warren, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander.  “Our collective efforts seek to secure our nation’s maritime border as we protect the citizens of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from this threat.”

The Coast Guard and Caribbean Border Interagency Group interagency partners working in support of Operation Caribbean Guard removed more than 68,000 pounds of cocaine worth over $775 million in Fiscal Year 2016, which ran from Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2016.

The Coast Guard’s efforts under Operation Unified Resolve contribute to the interagency results being achieved locally each and every day under Operation Caribbean Guard, which coordinates efforts between the Coast Guard, DHS and the Commonwealth and Territorial law enforcement partners, who are working diligently to deter, detect and disrupt illicit maritime trafficking to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter homeported in Miami.

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is searching for an overdue helicopter with two persons aboard near the south side of Molokai, Wednesday.

Multiple Coast Guard air and surface crews and a Maui Fire Department aircrew are currently searching in the area.

Crews currently engaged in the search are:

- HC-130 Hercules airplane and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.  

- Crews of USCGC Kittiwake (WPB-87316) homeported in Honolulu, was diverted from operations off Maui.

- Air1 helicopter crew from Maui Fire Department.

The helicopter was reported overdue by the owner’s employee at 6:55 a.m. Wednesday. The employee called 911 and dispatch notified the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center personnel who in turn relayed the call to the watchstanders at Coast Guard Joint Rescue Communications Center in Honolulu. The black, privately owned helicopter reportedly departed Honolulu Tuesday evening with two people aboard and did not arrive to a private helicopter pad on Molokai as expected.

An urgent marine information broadcast requesting assistance from mariners in the southern Molokai area has been issued.  

Anyone with information that may help locate the helicopter or crew is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600

Weather conditions are currently reported as 21 to 23 mph winds, partly sunny with showers.

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Corinne Zilnicki

On November 19, 2016, Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch will be commissioned during a ceremony at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey

An imposing convoy of warships cut through the waters of the Lingayen Gulf northwest of the Philippines, the ships forming an orderly parade of slow-moving silhouettes. Six hulking transport ships led the charge, followed closely by cargo ships, landing craft and smaller amphibious assault vessels.

It was January 8, 1945, and the Allied forces had been deeply ensconced in the South West Pacific theatre of World War II for more than three years.

The convoy made a beeline for Luzon, the largest of the Philippine islands and an invaluable target that, once captured, would deny Japan passage through the South China Sea and grant the Allies access to the port of Manila Bay.

When the warships of Blue Beach Attack Group were only 35 miles from Luzon's shores, three Japanese aircraft materialized near the rear of the convoy, sweeping suddenly into an attack.

"Planes! They're coming from the stern!" cried a chorus of voices aboard the USS Callaway, one of the attack transport ships leading the convoy.

Gunners aboard the Callaway had but seconds to react. Coast Guard Seaman 1st Class Rollin A. Fritch was one of the gunners who immediately leaped into action and peppered the incoming kamikaze aircraft with a hail of 20mm antiaircraft gunfire. Fritch and his fellow gunners brought down two of the planes, but the third evaded the barrage and plunged down toward the bridge, unswerving in its deadly course.

Even as the kamikaze plane came hurtling toward him, Fritch remained at his post, forfeiting all chance of escape as he continued to fire his weapon. He fought bravely until the very moment the aircraft crashed into the starboard side of the bridge in a burst of flames that rattled the ship to its very keel.

Fritch, along with 28 other members of the Callaway crew, died in the fiery explosion.

The news of his death deeply affected even the youngest members of his large family back home.

"I was only five years old when he was killed," said Donna Fuller, Fritch's niece, now 77 years old. "But I remember that my whole family was devastated. Uncle Rollin was such a sweet, kind person."

Born in Blue Rapids, Kansas, on May 9, 1920, Rollin Fritch was the youngest in a family of eight children. His parents, Frank and Mary Fritch, owned over 80 acres of farmland and relied on their children to help tend the chickens and grown corn, wheat and soybeans, among other crops.

"Times were rough for them," said Fuller. "It was a hard way to live."

The family relocated to Pawnee City, Nebraska, and after high school, Fritch struck out on his own and moved to Sioux City, Iowa. He was working there at the Cudahy Packing Company plant when he decided to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard on March 17, 1942.

"I remember he said he enlisted just to do his part," Fuller recalled. "When he visited us on leave and we saw him in uniform, we were in awe."

After completing basic training, Fritch served on the Coast Guard Cutter Galatea, whose missions comprised of escorting convoys along the eastern seaboard and conducting antisubmarine patrols.

He then joined the crew of the USS Callaway in September, 1943, and took part in five other island invasions throughout the South West Pacific before the Lingayan Gulf assault in January, 1945.

Donna Fuller, who has avidly gathered and chronicled her family's history since 1978, is not alone in admiring her uncle's heroism and valor.

Fritch was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, the third-highest decoration a service member can receive, as well as the Purple Heart.

Decades later, Fritch's ultimate sacrifice received a more lasting tribute.

In November, 2014, the Coast Guard announced the names of the ten newest 154-foot Fast Response Cutters, one of which would be homeported in Cape May, New Jersey, and officially commissioned on November 19, 2016.

That ship's name would be Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch.

"It was a complete shock when we found out," said Fuller, now the cutter's official sponsor. "To have uncle Rollin chosen among so many heroes is such an honor."

"I think it's fitting that the Coast Guard chose to honor enlisted heroes in such a way," said Rear Adm. Meredith Austin, the commander of the Coast Guard's 5th District in Portsmouth, Virginia. "The enlisted force is what makes up the backbone of the Coast Guard, after all."

Notable not only for the historical significance of its namesake, cutter Rollin Fritch will be the first FRC to call the 5th District home, an important milestone for the district.

"Acquiring an FRC for the district will give us so much more flexibility," Austin said. "With this newer, more capable asset, we will be able to help mariners farther from shore."

The missions of the Sentinel-class cutters include conducting offshore patrols, performing search and rescue, interdicting drugs and migrants and protecting ports and waterways, among others. Equipped with state of the market communications and computer technology, the FRC's will gradually replace the Coast Guard's aging Island-class 110-foot patrol boats.

Crew members aboard cutter Rollin A. Fritch intend to carry out those missions in keeping with the bravery and fortitude of the cutter's namesake.

"We decided that the cutter's motto should be 'Until Properly Relieved,'" said Lt. Jason McCarthey, the cutter's commanding officer. "Rollin Fritch's devotion to duty reminds us how to conduct ourselves aboard this ship. He manned his gun until the very end."

"We are absolutely honored to bring Rollin Fritch's name and story to the area," said Lt. j.g. Kelly Grills, the executive officer of cutter Rollin Fritch. "We plan on setting up a namesake area on the mess deck so that every time someone passes by, it will remind them what they're here to do and why they joined the service."

Rollin Fritch's courage and self-sacrifice serve as a timeless reminder to all Coast Guardsmen of what it means to be truly devoted to duty, while the christening of the cutter in his name forever salutes his valiant spirit.

"We're the lucky ones, to receive and witness that honor for uncle Rollin," Fuller said, her voice warm and wistful. "I think somehow, he knows."

VIDEO of the surface swimmer swimming to the rocks is also available.

BOSTON — The Coast Guard rescued a windsurfer Wednesday near the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge.

At approximately 3:20 p.m., watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England's command center received a call from a windsurfer who stated his windsurfing partner became stranded on rocks near the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge after her surfboard failed.

The watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched a 45-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Point Judith.

When the Station Point Judith crew arrived on scene, they were unable to get close enough for the windsurfer to safely make it aboard the response boat. A Coast Guard boat crewman then entered the water, swam to the stranded windsurfer, and safely brought her back to the Coast Guard boat.

"Once we got on scene, we knew we had to act fast because she was most likely hypothermic," said Petty Officer Christopher DiGiovanni, coxswain of the response boat. "We had about 15 yards between the bow and the jetty to send a surface swimmer out to safely assist her from the rocks. With our knowledge, experience, and training we were able to get her safely to our boat and transfer her care to emergency services personnel waiting on shore.” 

The woman is reported to be in good condition. 

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew, from Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, medevacs an injured logger from a forest in Yamhill County, Ore., Nov. 16, 2016. The injured logger reportedly suffered a broken back and was flown to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland for further care. U.S. Coast Guard video by Sector Columbia River.

WARRENTON, Ore. — A Coast Guard Sector Columbia River aircrew, aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, medevaced a logger who was injured 25 miles east of Tillamook, Wednesday.

The aircrew assisted a Yamhill County rescue team who tended to the injured logger until he was safely hoisted by the aircrew and transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland for further care.

A watchstander at Sector Columbia River received a call for assistance from Yamhill County 911 dispatch at 11:05 a.m. After the request was processed through the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, the center responsible for inland search and rescue, an aircrew was diverted from training off the coast of Tillamook at 11:47 a.m. The aircrew arrived on scene at 12:02 p.m. where they worked with ground rescue crewmembers to safely hoist the logger. 

The logger reportedly suffered a broken back and had symptoms related to hypothermia, however, his current condition is unknown.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Coast Guard rescue swimmer made his first rescue Tuesday, when he helped a man suffering from chest pains with onset of a heart attack aboard a sailboat about 40 miles off Port Aransas.

Rescued was Walter Smith, 77.

Smith contacted Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders at about 6 p.m., reporting that a wave washed his medicine overboard and that he was in need of assistance. The watchstanders immediately dispatched an Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and crew to help.

The helicopter crew lowered Petty Officer 3rd Class Graham Smith, an aviation survival technician who recently graduated rescue swimmer school and qualified at the air station, to assess the man's condition. After Smith determined the man was suffering from chest pains, was far from shore, alone and without medicine, the man and his dog were hoisted into the helicopter with Smith's help.

"My adrenaline was going strong, but I fell back on my training to assess the situation and recover an elderly man from the onset of a heart attack and retrieve his dog from their sailboat," said Petty Officer Smith, regarding his first Coast Guard rescue. "I grabbed the dog with my arms, put my fins on, jumped in [the water] and did a bare hook recovery while holding the dog. The dog was really scared and frazzled, doing everything to stay dry. I kept him up on my shoulder and he just stayed right up there. He was fine once he was away from the water and rotor wash."

The aircrew marked the location of the sailboat for later recovery by a Coast Guard cutter and headed to shore. The crew met EMS at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and the man and dog were taken to Spohn Memorial Hospital. Mr. Smith was reported to be in stable condition.

The Coast Guard Cutter Manatee crew navigated the sailboat back to the sea buoy off Port Aransas and a friend of the rescued man brought the sailboat safely into port.

Editor's note: Click on the photos to link to high resolution versions and video.

LARGO, Fla. – Service members stationed at and around Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg and MacDill Air Force Base spoke at numerous Pinellas County schools Wednesday as part of the third annual Great American Teach-In – Tour Across Pinellas.

The Great American Teach-In is part of Pinellas County Schools’ annual education week celebration, and it was created to introduce students to career options they might never considered. Pinellas County invited service members to their schools to share stories and stress the importance of education with the students.

“I like doing this event: it’s great to have the opportunity to share with the students what the Coast Guard is all about,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Crawford who is stationed at Sector St. Petersburg. “This is my third year participating, and I will be back next year.”

The event took place throughout the day as service members traveled to 140 classrooms in 14 different schools, reaching out to more than 5,000 students in Pinellas County. 

“I love it when the military visits with us,” said Devon, a seventh-grader at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle. “It’s neat to hear about their life before they joined and the cool things they get to do now.”

The service members were given the opportunity to share with the students about their career, experiences and community involvement and answered questions from the students about life as a military member.

"The Great American Teach-In is a great opportunity to share my experience with children and young adults from Pinellas County schools," said Senior Airman Brad Tipton, broadcast journeyman at the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs. "We had a great time working with the Coast Guard. The kids were really engaged and interested to learn about our military customs and experience. We're thrilled to live and work in the Tampa Bay area and appreciate the ability to interact with and impact these local children."

For breaking news follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast

In this stock photo taken Feb. 25, 2016, large waves crash along the breakwall at Diversey Harbor in Chicago after a winter storm brought gale force winds and waves as high as 10 feet to the area. The Coast Guard frequently responds to cases involving people swept off walls or piers due to rough seas, and encourages storm watchers to remain at a safe distance from these dangerous areas during periods of heavy weather. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Justin Zita)

MILWAUKEE — After an abnormally high number of foul-weather related deaths on Lake Michigan this year, the Coast Guard urges everyone participating in waterfront activities along the lake this weekend to use extreme caution.

The National Weather Service is forecasting hazardous weather for all of Lake Michigan over the weekend.

North to northwest winds are expected to gust to more than 40 knots across the lake, and waves will be building to more than 10 feet. This will increase the likelihood of dangerous waves and strong currents, especially along structures, piers and near river outlets. 

While docks, breakwalls, piers and rocks are seemingly ideal places to take pictures or video of storms, Coast Guard units on Lake Michigan have responded to numerous cases involving people swept off of a wall or pier by rough seas this year. Links to press releases about some of those responses are listed below.

• Aug. 22, 2016: Coast Guard crew enters water; saves two lives
• July 10, 2016: Coast Guard assists in rescue of man in Lake Michigan near Michigan City
• Feb. 26, 2016: Coast Guard warns sightseers of high waves, strong wind after man is swept into Lake Michigan
• Sept. 20, 2015: Coast Guard, Indiana DNR end search, man's body recovered

Those willing to brave the weather are encouraged to stay a safe distance from the water, especially in areas near breaking waves.

“While the large waves are always impressive to watch, the safety of the public remains our number one priority,” stated Coast Guard Cmdr. Leanne Lusk, chief of response at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan.

Story by Reid Oslin, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Peter Lewis has just the right recipe for keeping the 45-person crew at Station Point Allerton happy, healthy, and well-fed.

Lewis, food services officer for the award-winning Point Allerton galley, says that he tries to maintain a good balance of crew menu favorites along with a staple of high-nutrition meals to help keep his shipmates ready for the long hours and demanding tasks of the lifesaving profession.

The galley at Station Point Allerton was recently named winner of the Coast Guard’s Forrest E. Rednour Award for Excellence in Dining – the fourth consecutive year that the Hull galley has been so honored in the competition among all Coast Guard small shore station dining service facilities. Lewis has been in charge of the Point Allerton galley since 2014.

“Feeding the crew is all about good record keeping, maintaining an accurate inventory and staying focused on the job at hand,” said Lewis, a native of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania who has served in the Coast Guard for almost 17 years. “We keep our eyes and ears peeled and our minds open,” he explained. “If one of the crew asks for something specific, we try to accommodate the request.

“We are always trying new recipes,” he added, “some come out good, some great and some are a waste of the paper that we printed them on. Cooking is one of those occupations where you learn the most from your mistakes. We are always learning and developing our skill set. We have good days and bad days, but all in all, I believe that we keep the crew satisfied and morale high.”

Lewis said that the crew’s favorite dishes are homemade pizza and buffalo chicken wings, but he also keeps a wary eye on good nutrition. “We have [Coast Guard] manuals that specify how many times a week we can serve the different meats, fried foods and the like, and we also do our best to keep a fully-stocked salad bar and to provide the option of at least two healthy entrée alternatives daily, in addition to our regular menu items.”

Lewis said that he also tries to steer away from too many calorie-rich desserts on his menus. “The last cook that was here loved desserts, so he made them all the time. I personally try to stay away from sweets. I may plan to provide more desserts in the future, but we do need to moderate sugar consumption in all of our diets.”

What’s the least favorite menu item? “Hot dogs,” Lewis said quickly. “Whenever we have served or tried to serve them”

What’s the greatest food service challenge at Point Allerton? “It’s serving delicious, wholesome food on a very tight budget,” admitted Lewis. “Here, it’s an all cash galley, meaning that our budget for food is completely determined by how many meals we sell [to the crew]. So we have to keep the menus very diverse to suit everyone’s taste buds, but we also need to find ways to be fiscally responsible.

“The most rewarding part of this job is seeing the smiles on our shipmate’s faces when they really enjoyed what we prepared for them,” he said.

Lewis is assisted in the Point Allerton galley by Petty Officer Second Class Joshua Kopec and younger crew members who are assigned to mess duty on a rotating basis to help with basic galley chores.

Lewis joined the Coast Guard in 2000 and was initially assigned to a 110-foot Coast Guard cutter out of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. When it came time to choose a Coast Guard specialty occupation, he applied for the Food Service Specialist School in Petaluma, California. “I knew that I wanted a job that I would be able to use my entire life and cooking always had an interest,” he said. “My mother, Cathy, is a wonderful cook, along with my grandmothers.”

As a food services specialist, he has had assignments at Coast Guard stations from Key West, Florida to Bahrain, where he completed an eight-month tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Six years ago, he served aboard Coast Guard Cutter SENECA, homeported in Boston, where he met his future wife Laura, a Massachusetts native. The couple was married two years ago and they are currently expecting their first child.

“Hull is such a beautiful place to be stationed,” Lewis said. “History really runs so deep here. We love the area and hope to possibly retire here when my Coast Guard career is completed.”

Retirement may still be in the distant future for Lewis, who was recently selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer, and was frocked into his new rank on October 28 in a special ceremony held at the Hull Lifesaving Museum.

Coast Guard along with responders from federal and local agencies and industry stakeholders conducted an Area Maritime Security Exercise Nov. 16, 2016, in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico.  (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard, in cooperation with responders from federal, state, local agencies and industry stakeholders, conducted an Area Maritime Security Exercise Wednesday in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico.

The annual table-top exercise is part of the nationwide Area Maritime Security Training Exercise Program (AMSTEP).

“These exercises are instrumental for federal and local agencies as well as our industry partners to deliver a well coordinated and unified response during a major maritime transportation security incident in Puerto Rico,” said Capt. Francisco Rego, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan deputy commander.

This exercise is being conducted to test the effectiveness of the Area Maritime Security Plan drafted by federal, state and local agencies and industry representatives as the framework for how to respond to port-wide security incidents in Southern Puerto Rico.

Exercise participants gathered at the EcoElectrica facility in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico to interface and evaluate their ability to respond to a maritime transportation security threat in the area. Agencies focused primarily on their processes to alert, mobilize and coordinate personnel, facilities and resources, which included establishing a Unified Command structure to coordinate interagency response operations.

The Coast Guard recognizes that providing maritime security in the Caribbean region requires the close coordination of area responders. The scenario involved in this table-top exercise challenged participants to identify key resources and organize interagency procedures during a port security incident, and update response plan information that will enhance future readiness coordination.

Participating agencies and industry organizations included: Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Coast Guard Resident Inspection Office Ponce, Coast Guard Incident Management Assistance Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Transportation Security Administration, Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, Federal Aviation Administration, City of Guayanilla Emergency Management, Puerto Rico Police Fuerzas Unidas de Rapida Acción, Puerto Rico Department of Health, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, EcoElectrica, Peerless Oil and Chemicals, Commonwealth Oil Refining Corporation; Pro Caribe, Petro Taino, Betteroads Asphalt Terminals, South Puerto Rico Towing, Luis A. Ayala Colon Inc., and DEMACO.

Editor's note: click images for high-resolution

A Coast Guard Station Key West boat crew approaches a rustic vessel Nov. 10 with 18 Cuban migrants onboard approximately one mile southeast of Marquesas, Florida.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard repatriated 90 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, since Tuesday.

The Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans repatriated 62 Cuban migrants Tuesday and 28 Cuban migrants Wednesday.

These repatriations are a result of eight separate at-sea migrant interdictions in the South Florida Straits within the last week. In each instance, the Coast Guard helped secure the U.S. border and prevented these sea voyages from ending in tragedy.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.

“Migrants attempting to illegally enter the United States by boat often travel aboard dangerously overloaded and ill-equipped vessels," said Cmdr. Willie Carmichael, deputy chief of enforcement for the Coast Guard 7th District. "People aboard these vessels are putting their lives at extreme risk. Immigration policies have not changed, the Coast Guard’s missions have not changed. Migrants interdicted at sea will be returned to their country of origin in accordance with immigration laws.”

The Coast Guard has observed an increase in illegal maritime migration attempts to the Southeastern U.S. from Cuba. The Coast Guard 7^th District estimates 687 Cubans have attempted to illegally migrate via the sea since Oct. 1. In fiscal year 2016, 7,411 Cubans attempted to illegally migrate via the sea compared to 4,473 in fiscal year 2015. These numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic.

The Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans is a 154-foot fast response cutter homeported out of Key West.

For breaking news, please follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.

MIAMI – A good Samaritan rescued three mariners Thursday with assistance of a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater aircrew more than 400 miles north of Dominican Republic.

Watch standers at the 7^th Coast Guard District received an emergency position indicating radio beacon alert Wednesday evening from the 57-foot sailboat Leopard. The watch standers directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules airplane crew to search.

The aircrew arrived on scene Thursday at 2:49 a.m. and located the overturned sailboat with three people in a dinghy nearby. The aircrew then vectored in the crew of the 170-foot motor vessel Aloe who rescued the three mariners at approximately 5:30 a.m. No medical concerns were reported.

The three mariners departed Chesapeake, Va., Saturday to transport the Leopard to Saint Martin.

“Because these mariners had a registered EPIRB aboard their vessel we were able to locate them quickly and vector in the vessel Aloe,” said Michael Mullen, 7th Coast Guard District command duty officer. “A case like this is a prime example of why the Coast Guard stresses all mariners purchase, register and carry EPIRBs aboard their vessels. Having boating safety equipment like EPIRBs and life jackets could mean the difference between life and death, and in this case these mariners were rescued safely because they had both.”

Boating safety information including how to register EPIRBs are available on the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety web site at: www.uscgboating.org.

For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast

WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to present the Coast Guard Medal to a rescue swimmer stationed at Sector Columbia River during a ceremony held in the sector's helicopter hangar, Monday.

Chief Petty Officer Michael Spencer, an aviation survival technician, will be honored in recognition for his rescue efforts of two fellow first responders during search and rescue operations in the punch bowl at Cape Kiwanda, Feb. 1, 2016.

The Coast Guard Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.

The act in which Spencer is being recognized for happened when his helicopter crew responded to the report of a teenage girl falling off a cliff into the ocean. Shortly after arriving on scene the aircrew witnessed first responders from North Lincoln County get tossed off a personal watercraft and sled by a series of large waves. Spencer descended 80 feet from the hovering helicopter into violent surf to rescue the two men in the water. After the rescues of the first responders the aircrew continued with the search efforts for the teenage girl. Unfortunately the girl was not located and the search was called off the next day.

Feb. 1, 2016 Cape Kiwanda search and rescue news release

Video of Cape Kiwanda rescue

"It is an honor to be able to present this prestigious award to a quality and heroic Coast Guardsman who would be the first to say it was a team effort and would give first recognition to the pilots and the flight mechanic aboard that helicopter," said Capt. William Timmons, commander, Sector Columbia River. "Chief Spencer does not do this job for fame and recognition, but because he loves the job, the people he serves with and what the service stands for."

Media interested in attending are requested to RSVP with Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read at 206-819-9154. Media is requested to arrive by 12:30 p.m.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard worked with the owner of a grounded cargo ship to ensure its safe refloating after the vessel ran aground in Beaufort Inlet Channel Thursday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received a call via landline at 1:15 p.m. that the 590-foot cargo ship Pola Palekh ran aground in the vicinity of buoy 16A in the channel.

Sector North Carolina watchstanders issued a safety marine information broadcast and launched a 29-Foot Response Boat-Small crew from Coast Guard Station Fort Macon to assess the cargo ship and the channel. 

The Pola Palekh was carrying 35,800 metric tons of fertilizer and holds approximately 27,000 gallons of fuel oil. 

The acting Captain of the Port for Sector North Carolina, Cmdr. Quincy Davis, temporarily closed the channel to deep draft commercial traffic.

At approximately 8:18 p.m., tugboats assisted the Pola Palekh off the shoaling and escorted the vessel to Morehead City State Port Terminal by about 8:45 p.m.

The acting Captain of the Port reopened Beaufort Inlet Channel to all marine traffic. 

No injuries, pollution, or damage to the vessel have been reported.

For breaking news, follow the 5th District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.

MILWAUKEE — In January 2017 the U.S. Coast Guard will commence ice breaking operations in the bay of Green Bay to ensure the safe navigation and overall safe transport of economically-significant commercial shipments.

In support of the Port of Green Bay, the Coast Guard will establish and maintain tracks through the ice from Rock Island Passage to the Fox River. The tracks through the ice will extend to Escanaba, Marinette-Menominee, Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay.

Click the image above to view and download the high-resolution version.

“Coast Guard waterway managers balance the needs of commercial operators moving the cargoes that fuel industry with those of recreational users enjoying the pristine natural beauty of our Great Lakes,” said Capt. Amy Cocanour, commander of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan. “Those who choose to recreate on or near ice-covered waterways may potentially put themselves at increased risk when recreating near still-operational shipping lanes.”

There are two to three tanker transits destined for the Port of Green Bay planned for the month of December and two to three transits planned for the month of January. Depending on local need, there could be a transit or two in February. Prior to each movement and any associated ice breaking, a 72-hour advance notice to the public will occur via broadcast notice to mariners on VHF-FM marine radio channel 16, 21 or 23, as well as public outreach through media notification and social media outlets @USCGGreatLakes on Twitter and on Brown County Sheriff's Office’s Facebook page.

These ice breaking operations are a part of Operation Taconite, the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest domestic ice-breaking operation. The operation encompasses Lake Superior, St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac, Georgian Bay and all of Lake Michigan, including the bay of Green Bay.

Members of the public who fish, operate a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or otherwise recreate on the bay of Green Bay during periods of ice cover should focus on this and future announcements to better inform their preparations.

The Coast Guard recommends all recreational ice users plan their activities carefully, dress appropriately, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels. Recreational users should stay tuned to local media resources for the status of regional waterway closures.

For more information contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan at (414) 747-7190.