The Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous and its crew returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, Va., on Tuesday following a counter-migration patrol that lasted nearly two months.

According to a service news release, the Reliance-class medium endurance cutter deployed for a 51-day patrol in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry, ensuring safety at sea and deterring illegal migration.

The patrol took place in the Windward Passage, a strait that connects the Caribbean sea with the Atlantic Ocean. It went through transit zones near Haiti and around Florida, the release said.

During the deployment, Vigorous contributed to the transfer of 17 alleged smugglers and almost 1,400 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $10 million, the release said.

Vigorous also underwent tactical training with the Cutter Campbell, practicing pursuit and towing exercises.

“The crew performed exceptionally well throughout this demanding patrol,” said the commanding officer of Vigorous, Cmdr. Charles Bare, according to the release.

Operation Vigilant Sentry was launched in 2003 and is tasked with responding to illegal migration. It is led by the Department of Homeland Security, though it also works with state and local agencies.

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