Coast Guard Crew Returns Home After Counter Drug Operation

Crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton were reunited with their loved ones Sunday after returning from a 75-day patrol that included countering illegal drug sales and expanding goodwill among other nations and U.S. citizens, Coast Guard officials said Thursday.

The crew interrupted the passage of more than 22,000 pounds of cocaine and offloaded 11,000 pounds of cocaine on Jan. 7 in San Diego. The 11,000 pounds of cocaine is estimated to be worth $170 million. Crewmembers also helped two U.S. citizens who were on the boat Wind Cutter. A rescue and assistance team from the cutter gave medical treatment, technical advice, food, water and charged Wind Cutter’s communication equipment, according to Coast Guard officials.

While in Golfito, Costa Rico, Stratton’s crew volunteered with Costa Rican Coast Guard crewmembers to paint and landscape an elementary school. Afterwards, the two crews played a friendly game of soccer. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton also hosted a member of the Guatemalan Navy Special Forces to expand Stratton’s ability to enforce the law through agreements with other nations.

By Bay City News

Logo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard