US Coast Guard, Jamaica Defence Force crews counter illicit activity in the Caribbean Sea

KEY WEST, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says the crew of its Cutter Mohawk returned to their home port in Key West, Florida, on Friday following a 75-day maritime border security patrol in the Windward Passage, Florida Straits and Caribbean Sea.

During the patrol, the US Coast Guard said its crew collaborated with its counterpart in the Jamaica Defence Force in countering illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea.

The US Coast Guard said the crews 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.”

Mohawk’s crew was initially deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS), while on patrol in the Windward Passage, “to deter illegal alien migration along the coast of Haiti,” the US Coast Guard said.

It said that, on August 16, Mohawk’s crew assisted the Jamaica Defence Force by interdicting and transferring a vessel with five Haitians aboard who were attempting to illegally enter Jamaica.

The US Coast Guard said the crew also patrolled the Caribbean Sea in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) mission of “detecting and monitoring illegal drug shipments in the maritime domain for subsequent interdiction and apprehension.”

On August 21, a US Navy aircrew identified a suspicious vessel in the Caribbean Sea, and a US Coast Guard aircrew assisted in tracking the go-fast vessel with three suspected drug smugglers aboard, the US Coast Guard said.

“Once Mohawk was vectored in, crew members launched the cutter’s primary interceptor boat, the service’s newest 26-foot, Mk-V over-the-horizon cutter boat, for a 113-nautical-mile pursuit and later coordination with Jamaica Defence Force personnel, who interdicted the vessel in Jamaican waters,” the US Coast Guard said.

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

In addition, the US Coast Guard said Mohawk worked alongside US Department of Defense 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 US$23 million.

“Mohawk’s recent operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation’s maritime approaches,” said Commander Taylor Kellogg, commanding officer of Mohawk.

“Our efforts over the last 75 days have served as a deterrent to criminal organisations seeking to exploit our waterways and reinforce our dedication to a safe and secure maritime environment,” he added. “I’m proud of our crew for their selfless service, teamwork and devotion to duty.”

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