A Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba small boat crew approaches a suspected smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea, Aug. 29, 2026. The tactical boarding and search of the vessel resulted in the seizure of approximately 2,082 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $2.4 million. (Nadia Sands/U.S. Coast Guard)
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba returned home Monday to Portsmouth, Va., after a 60-day deployment in the Caribbean Sea, according to a Coast Guard press release.
“I am incredibly proud of the Escanaba crew for their exceptional performance and resilience throughout this high-tempo deployment,” said Capt. Nicholas Seniuk, commanding officer of Escanaba, in the release.
During the deployment, the crew of Escanaba, along with the Coast Guard’s specialized Tactical Law Enforcement Team, known as TACLET, intercepted a vessel carrying marijuana through the strait between Cuba and Haiti.
Escanaba confiscated about 2,082 pounds of marijuana, which was valued at $2.4 million.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba bridge team members coordinate watch standing maneuvers during an underway replenishment with the Homeland Security Cutter-Ocean in the Caribbean Sea, Aug. 31, 2026. (Nadia Sands/U.S. Coast Guard)
Additionally, Escanaba rendezvoused with Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon to receive approximately 3,288 kilograms of cocaine seized by the cutter. The crew turned in the illicit substances at Port Everglades in Florida.
Escanaba also replenished Homeland Security Cutter-Ocean, allowing them to continue its mission in the Caribbean Sea.
“Whether executing complex law enforcement operations with the support of our TACLET partners or coordinating vital mid-patrol logistics with the HSC-Ocean, the crew displayed the utmost professionalism,” Seniuk said. “Their dedication directly prevented hazardous voyages and saved lives in the Windward Passage.”
