Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk Returns Home After 75-Day Maritime Border Security Patrol

The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Mohawk returned to their home port in Key West, Florida, Aug. 29, following a 75-day maritime border security patrol in the Windward Passage, Straits of Florida and Caribbean Sea. 

 
During the patrol, Mohawk’s crew deployed to the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility, where they conducted multi-mission operations with joint service, international and interagency partners to protect America’s maritime borders from illegal drug trafficking and prevent unlawful alien migration in the region. 

“[The] Mohawk’s recent operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation’s maritime approaches,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Taylor Kellogg, Mohawk commander. “Our efforts over the last 75 days have served as a deterrent to criminal organizations seeking to exploit our waterways and reinforce our dedication to a safe and secure maritime environment. I’m proud of our crew for their selfless service, teamwork and devotion to duty.” 

The crew initially deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry while on patrol in the Windward Passage to deter illegal alien migration along the coast of Haiti.  
 
On Aug. 16, Mohawk’s crew assisted the Jamaica DefenseForce by interdicting and transferring a vessel with five Haitians aboard who were attempting to illegally enter Jamaica. 
 
The crew also patrolled the Caribbean Sea in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force South mission of detecting and monitoring illegal drug shipments in the maritime domain for subsequent interdiction and apprehension.   

A Navy aircrew identified a suspicious vessel in the Caribbean Sea Aug. 21, and a Coast Guard aircrew assisted in tracking the vessel with three suspected drug smugglers aboard.  

Once the Mohawk was alerted, crew members launched the cutter’s primary interceptor boat for a 113-nautical-mile pursuit. The team coordination with Jamaica DefenseForce personnel, who interdicted the vessel in Jamaican waters. 

 
In total, while working with the Jamaica DefenseForce during four maritime law enforcement cases, the Mohawk’s crew seized narcotics and interdicted or assisted in the interdiction or transfer of 13 suspected smugglers and two suspect vessels to Jamaican authorities for prosecution. 

In addition, the Mohawk worked alongside Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security partners, contributing to the disposition of 21 drug smugglers, 2,425 pounds of cocaine and 4,300 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of nearly $23 million.

Throughout the deployment, the crew engaged in joint patrols and at-sea transfers with a variety of Coast Guard assets, including the Coast Guard cutter Spencer, the Coast Guard cutter Vigorous and the Coast Guard cutter Alert.

Reinforcing interagency cooperation, the Mohawk partnered with the crews of the USS Cole and USS Jason Dunham, who provided maritime patrol aircraft support and facilitated a critical transfer of contraband and detainees. These operations support U.S. national objectives and a commitment to a coordinated, multifaceted approach to deter illicit trafficking and bolster regional security. 
 
Collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Mohawk’s crew also provided offshore presence to support Coast Guard Sector Miami alongside additional Coast Guard air and surface assets to help prevent illegal immigration and drug smuggling, while augmenting search and rescue capability off the coast of Florida.