PORT CANAVERAL, Florida — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Confidence returned to home port in Port Canaveral Sunday morning after a 60-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea.
The crew of the cutter Confidence departed Port Canaveral on January 21, 2012 to conduct a homeland security, law enforcement, and counter narcotics patrol. While underway, Confidence crew members were involved in two high speed chases of go-fast vessels suspected of illegal smuggling in the Caribbean Sea.
On March 2, Confidence crew members interdicted a go-fast with nearly 4,500 pounds of cocaine, which was turned over to authorities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
On Feb. 9, Confidence crew members interdicted a go-fast with 1,000 pounds of marijuana, which was turned over to authorities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. (U.S.C.G. Photo Above)
The interdictions resulted in the arrest of six suspected smugglers, and the seizure of contraband with a total street value of $140 million.
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| A boatcrew from the Coast Guard Cutter Confidence on scene with a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea March 2, 2012. Confidence crewmembers interdicted nearly 4,500 pounds of cocaine from the go-fast vessel. U.S. Coast Guard photo. |
Near the end of their patrol, Confidence crew members successfully conducted Aviation Standardization Training in Key West, Fla. Crew members were tested on, and validated their abilities to, successfully and efficiently conduct helicopter operations while underway.
The Confidence crew primarily conducts counter drug and undocumented migrant interdiction patrols in the Caribbean Sea.
