The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dependable returned home to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story in Virginia, following a 55-day counter-drug and migrant patrol through the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea.
During this patrol, Dependable conducted three separate international and inter-agency counter narcotics operations that resulted in the interdiction of approximately 325 kilograms of cocaine, 600 pounds of marijuana, and apprehension of 15 suspected drug smugglers.
The drugs seized represent a total wholesale value of more than $10.1 million.
Working jointly with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, other U.S. law enforcement officials, Royal Bahamian Defense Force, Royal Bahamian Police Force, and a Bahamian Drug Enforcement Unit, Dependable’s law enforcement teams boarded vessels found to be transporting illicit cargo.
In separate cases, Dependable worked with Coast Guard Sector Key West to interdict two vessels carrying 22 migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally.
Nearing its 48th anniversary serving America, Dependable and the other 26 aging medium endurance cutters are slated for replacement by a new class of cutters.
The Dependable is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter with a crew of 76 that conducts homeland security missions in maritime safety, security and stewardship.