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ALAMEDA, Calif. — Highlights and interviews from the Active Duty and Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year recognition ceremony where petty officers Calogero A. Lograsso and Michael A. Caliguire were selected as regional winners March 9, 2011 in Alameda, Calif.  The EPOY and REPOY program recognizes top performers in the Coast Guard who serve as role models and making a lasting impression in the communities they serve and live in.  U.S. Coast Guard video by Chief Petty Officer Sarah B. Foster

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PHOTOS- click to download from cgvi.uscg.mil

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Coast Guard District 11 Region senior leaders Command Master Chief Charles “Rob” Bushey and Rear. Adm. Josephy “Pepe” Castillo flanks petty officer second class Michael A. Caliguire who was named Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year March 9, 2011 at a recognition banquet in Alameda, Calif. The EPOY and REPOY program recognizes top performers in the Coast Guard who serve as role models and making a lasting impression in the communities they serve and live in. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman David A. Flores

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Coast Guard District 11 Region senior leaders Command Master Chief Charles “Rob” Bushey and Rear. Adm. Josephy “Pepe” Castillo flanks petty officer second class Calogero A. Lograsso who was named Active Duty Enlisted Person of the Year March 9, 2011 at a recognition banquet in Alameda, Calif. The EPOY and REPOY program recognizes top performers in the Coast Guard who serve as role models and making a lasting impression in the communities they serve and live in. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman David A. Flores

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau returned to homeport at Coast Guard Island today after successfully derailing multiple illegal trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

During a 72-day patrol the crew intercepted nine vessels engaged in narcotics, migrant, and money trafficking. The interceptions, some accomplished in coordination with navies of partner nations in the region, resulted in the seizure or disruption of more than a ton of cocaine and approximately 1,300 pounds of marijuana, confiscation of $12,000 in cash associated with criminal activity, the interdiction and rescue of 10 undocumented migrants, and detainment of 15 suspected smugglers.

An aviation detachment from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron based in Jacksonville, Fla., was aboard during the patrol and completed over 100 flight hours and was critical in directing the intercept of some of the smuggling vessels.

“This deployment is a true testament to the abilities and dedication of my crew and the aviators of the HITRON detachment,” said Capt. Gregory Burg, Morgenthau’s commanding officer.  “As you walk around the decks you can’t help but notice crewmembers smiling as they share stories about the past months’ events.  These successes are due to the incredible dedication of these young men and women who leave their families for months at a time to make a difference.”

Overall coordination of the counter-drug mission in the Eastern Pacific is done by the Joint Interagency Task Force, South, headquartered in key West, Fla. U.S. maritime law enforcement and the interdiction phase of operations in the region occurs under the tactical control of the 11th Coast Guard District, based in Alameda, Calif., or by law enforcement agencies of partner nations in the region. Morgenthau worked with both the Panamanian and Colombian navies to successfully intercept suspected smuggling vessels on this patrol.

"The accomplishments of Morgenthau's crew and the HITRON on this patrol were extraordinary," said Rear Adm. Joseph "Pepe" Castillo, 11th Coast Guard District commander. “The high level of performance sustained on this patrol shows the tenacity of these brave men and women and I appreciate the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe. The results of this patrol clearly show that flight-deck equipped cutters and helicopters working in tandem provide unmatched capability to patrol for prolonged periods, quickly interdict threats far from U.S. shores, respond to emergencies, and protect the security and safety of all Americans.”

Morgenthau, commissioned on March 10, 1969, has a crew of approximately 165 men and women whose missions include search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, fisheries and maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection and homeland security.

The 43-year-old Morgenthau and the 11 other original Secretary class, high endurance cutters, are being replaced by eight Legend class, national security cutters. The national security cutters are faster, better equipped, more durable, safer and more efficient than their predecessors, and will allow the Coast Guard to deliver its unique blend of military capability, law enforcement authority and lifesaving expertise wherever needed to protect American interests, today and for decades to come. The first three of these new cutters share the homeport of Alameda with Morgenthau.

120309-G-1F461-003 CGC Morgenthau

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau pulls into homeport at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, after a successful counter-narcotics patrol March 9, 2012. The crew of the Morgenthau intercepted nine vessels during the two-month patrol resulting in the seizure or disruption of more than one ton of cocaine, 1,300 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension of 10 migrants and 15 suspected smugglers. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sondra-Kay Rivera.

120208-G-MZ900-001 Morgenthau return to homeport

PACIFIC OCEAN – Packages of cocaine line the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau after the crew, working in conjunction with the Panamanian Navy, intercepted and seized the contraband from suspected smugglers during a two-month patrol off the coast of Central and South America. The patrol resulted in the interception of more than one ton of cocaine, 1,300 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension of 10 migrants and 15 suspected smugglers. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

120208-G-MZ900-002 Morgenthau return to homeport

PACIFIC OCEAN – Packages of cocaine are stacked on the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau after the crew of the cutter, working in conjunction with the Panamanian Navy, intercepted and seized the contraband from suspected smugglers during a two-month patrol off the coasts of Central and South America. The patrol resulted in the interception of more than one ton of cocaine, 1,300 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension of 10 migrants and 15 suspected smugglers. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

120309-G-1F461-098 CGC Morgenthau

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Ens. Hayley Warshauer, a boarding officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, is interviewed by local news stations after the cutter returned to its homeport at Coast Guard Island, in Alameda, March 9, 2012. The crew of the Morgenthau intercepted nine vessels during a two-month patrol resulting in the seizure or disruption of more than one ton of cocaine, 1,300 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension of 10 migrants and 15 suspected smugglers. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sondra-Kay Rivera.

120208-G-MZ900-004 Morgenthau return to homeport

PACIFIC OCEAN – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau and a Panamanian Navy ship patrol together in search of illicit activity. The crew of the Morgenthau made nine busts during a two-month patrol of the region resulting in the interception of over one ton of cocaine, 1,300 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension of 10 migrants and 15 suspected smugglers. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

120208-G-MZ900-003 Morgenthau return to homeport

PACIFIC OCEAN – Crewmembers of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau shake hands with representatives from the Panamanian Navy following international counter drug operations that took place during the cutter’s two-month patrol off the coast of Central and South America. The patrol resulted in the interception of more than one ton of cocaine, 1,300 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension of 10 migrants and 15 suspected smugglers. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

LAS VEGAS - Five members of the U.S. Coast Guard's aviation community completed the second day of challenges in the AMTSociety's Aviation Maintenance Skills Competition testing their teamwork, electronics knowledge and aviation mechanical knowledge against members of the Armed Forces and civilian world at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 8, 2012.

The Coast Guard team worked their way through an aircraft power troubleshooting event where they had to identify faults in an aviation power distribution system, another team replaced an auxiliary power unit in a timed event and a third event challenged contenders to replace safety wiring accurately and as quick as possible.

“We couldn’t have hoped to have gathered a better team,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Linder, an aviation maintenance technician based out of Air Station Humboldt Bay. “This entire group is so well rounded – they’re some of the best guys I’ve worked with.”

Today was the final day of challenges for the competitors and results and placing will be held tomorrow.

The AMTSociety's skills competition while allowing a challenging competition between peers, allows for knowledge and skills that Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Aviation Electronics Technicians to be shared with one another.  More information on the AMTSociety can be found at http://www.amtsociety.org/

To DOWNLOAD video of the operation, select the thumbnail or http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1559227

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – The Coast Guard and the Los Angeles City Fire Department successfully teamed up to test whether the Coast Guard’s Vessel of Opportunity Oil Skimming System (VOSS) could be deployed on LAFD Fireboat #2, March 7 in San Pedro, Calif.

With the operation successfully completed, the first-of-its-kind test gives the Coast Guard another asset to use should a large scale oil spill response be need in southern California.

“We needed to identify an alternative platform to respond in case of an oil spill,” said Chris Atkinson, an equipment specialist with the Coast Guard Eleventh District's Response Advisory Team.  "The (Cutter) George Cobb will remain as the primary platform but just in the case it is unavailable, we wanted a ready-to-go Plan B."

The test included loading and staging the VOSS components aboard a LA City Fire Dept. boat, attaching the system to the vessel, and effectively maneuvering the vessel while the system was in operation.

The Eleventh Coast Guard District’s Response Advisory Team oversaw the testing with assistance from LA City Fire Dept. personnel and other Coast Guard members from the Pacific Strike Team, the Cutter George Cobb, and Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.

To DOWNLOAD video of the VOSS in use aboard the Cutter George Cobb, select

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1405669

To DOWNLOAD video of the VOSS in use aboard other Coast Guard vessels, select

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1091655

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=813854

*Select the thumbnail images for higher resolution versions

LAS VEGAS - Five members of the U.S. Coast Guard's aviation community took part in the first round of the AMTSociety's Aviation Maintenance Skills Competition where they tested their teamwork and aviation mechanical knowledge against members of the Armed Forces and civilian world at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 7, 2012.

Master Chief Petty Officer Gerald Leach, Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Fielder, Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Novak, Petty Officer 2nd Class Josh Barrio and Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Linder are this year's attendees.  They began the day running a gauntlet of timed tasks ranging from written knowledge tests like the Charles E. Taylor Exam, to the all hands Fedex JT-9 event where members installed a thrust reverser on to a massive jet engine.

"The team feels pretty good about today, talking over lunch everyone sounded confident that they are holding their own. I think they're doing really well," Said Master Chief Gerald Leach, AMT Rating Force Master Chief.  "The different thing from us and the other teams is they are all a work together as a team and we all met yesterday, so in that respect we're doing very well."

The AMTSociety's skills competition while allowing a challenging competition between peers, allows for knowledge and skills that Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Aviation Electronics Technicians to be shared with one another.  More information on the AMTSociety can be found at http://www.amtsociety.org/

LOS ANGELES - The Coast Guard apprehended eight people and recovered nearly 2,000 pounds of marijuana during two separate interdictions northwest of Catalina Island, Calif., Jan. 10, 2012.

The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Halibut and a 45-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach located two contacts on radar while on patrol.  As the Coast Guard vessels approached the darkened boats, a short pursuit ensued that ended with the apprehensions occurring at about 11:45 p.m.

A Station Los Angeles-Long Beach boarding team apprehended four individuals aboard one boat and recovered the marijuana.  The Halibut's boarding team intercepted the second boat with four people aboard.

The individuals and narcotics were transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents assigned to the Los Angeles Border Enforcement Security Taskforce (BEST) for further investigation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is preparing to file drug trafficking charges against the four men aboard the boat containing the narcotics.

Photographs of the confiscated vessels can be found at
PHOTO 1
PHOTO 2
PHOTO 3

Video of the confiscated vessels can be found at
VIDEO

This bust marks the first time in California that a Coast Guard 45-foot boat, designated as Response Boat Medium or RBM, was involved in a narcotic interdiction.  More information about these new vessels can be found at http://www.losangeles.uscgnews.com/go/doc/834/969119/Los-Angeles-area-Coast-Guard-unit-receives-new-boat

Stock video of California-area 87-foot patrol boats, like the Halibut, can be found at http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1374416

Stock video of the Station LA-LB's 45-foot Response Boat Medium can be found at http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1374256

The law enforcement response to this event is the result of extensive coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that are all working together as members of the Central California Maritime Agency Coordination Group (CenCal MAC.)  The CenCal MAC was established per the Department of Homeland Security's Maritime Operations Plan to coordinate intelligence, resources, planning, and operations amongst law enforcement agencies in Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties that include coastal/maritime activities within their area of responsibility.

Members of the CenCal MAC include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the U.S. Coast Guard; and numerous state and local law enforcement agencies.

click on all images for high-resolution link

Click HERE to view press release

Click HERE to view previously released photographs

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click on image for high-resolution link

To view the original press release from Dec. 18, 2011, click HERE

SAN PEDRO, Calif. - The Coast Guard rescued three commercial fishermen after their 33-foot vessel became disabled and began drifting dangerously close to the rocks off of the westernmost point of San Miguel Island in the Channel Islands chain, at about 4 p.m. Sunday.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles hoisted the trio and flew them back to Santa Barbara, Calif., with no injuries.

The drama began when the commercial fishing boat, based out of Santa Barbara, became disabled about 100 yards from the rocks.  The men dropped an anchor but it quickly broke free and the second anchor started to drag in the direction of the shoreline.  The master radioed the Coast Guard for help at about 2:30 p.m.