Coast Guard
Coast Guard cutter returns to Key West after 3-month counter-drug patrol in Pacific
Stars and Stripes
April 22, 2017
Coast Guard Capt. Craig J. Wieschhorster, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, greets his family on the pier April 22, 2017, in Key West, Florida, following a three-month patrol in the Eastern Pacific. (Eric D. Woodall/U.S. Coast Guard)
Coast Guard Capt. Craig J. Wieschhorster, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, greets his family on the pier April 22, 2017, in Key West, Florida, following a three-month patrol in the Eastern Pacific. (Eric D. Woodall/U.S. Coast Guard)
A view of cocaine on the fantail of the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk. The cocaine was seized during an Eastern Pacific patrol in March 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Boarding team members from the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk interdict suspected smugglers in the Eastern Pacific in February 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The Coast Guard cutter Mohawk returned home to Key West Saturday, following a three-month counter-drug patrol in the Pacific Ocean.
The crew interdicted 14 vessels that were smuggling illegal narcotics, according to a news release. A total of 41 suspected smugglers were detained and approximately 12,000 kilograms of cocaine was seized.
MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron extended the Mowhawk's operational range.
During one 36-hour period, the Mohawk interdicted four vessels, the Coast Guard news release said.
A video of bales of contraband being jettisoned from a go-fast vessel in the Eastern Pacific was also released. The vessel was ultimately stopped by the cutter Mohawk.