SEATTLE — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin, homeported in Bellingham, returned Monday after a Pacific patrol to support counter drug operations off Southern California.
Terrapin crewmembers conducted a 42-day patrol totaling nearly 600 operational hours, completing 20 recreational safety boardings and interrupting the illegal flow of narcotics into the U.S.
While working jointly with Customs and Border Protection and the Mexican navy to stem the flow of illegal drugs entering the U.S., a Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft crew detected a suspicious boat Aug. 21 and the Terrapin crew was diverted to intercept.
The Terrapin’s crew stopped the panga and detained the suspected smugglers who claimed Mexican nationality and discovered an estimated 90 bales of marijuana weighing nearly 2,000 pounds. The suspects, vessel and marijuana were turned over to the Mexican navy.
"I feel very blessed to have the best crew in the Service,” said Lt. j.g. Gregory Bernstein, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin. “Every member of Terrapin performed at the highest level in a challenging environment and committed themselves fully to accomplishing this mission. As a crew, we were thrilled with the opportunity to contribute in securing our nation's Southwest border and to work side by side with our international and interagency partners."
The crew primarily serves the mariners of Washington’s western coastline by patrolling the waters, responding to search and rescue missions, protecting our borders, enforcing state and federal fisheries regulations and conducting safety and security exams.
The Terrapin is an 87-foot coastal patrol boat with a crew of 12. They were augmented on this patrol with a member at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound’s Vessel Boarding Security Team.
Editors Note: The media is invited to meet the Terrapin crew and observe as they receive recognition for their successful patrol from Rear Adm. Richard Gromlich, commander, Coast Guard 13th District, aboard the ship in Bellingham Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. Interested media should R.S.V.P. to Petty Officer 3rd Class Katelyn Shearer at 206-220-7237.