PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear returned to its home port in Portsmouth on Tuesday. The Bear crew was deployed on a 58-day homeland security and counter-drug patrol.
According to the Bear crew, it deterred over 200 migrants on a vessel from reaching the United States and ensured their safe return to Haiti. The crew also stopped a drug smuggling incident and prevented the suspected trafficker's illegal narcotics from entering the U.S.
“This patrol was demanding and incredibly busy, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the crew supported each other during such challenging operations,” said Bear commanding officer, Cmdr. Jorell Webb. “For many, this was their first experience with migrant interdiction operations. From the start to the end of the patrol, it was clear how the crew developed into a cohesive team.”
The Bear's mission is to detect and stop illegal immigrants from entering the U.S., stop unlawful drug operations, protect living marine resources, and assist the Coast Guard with rescue missions.
