SAN DIEGO – A San Diego-based U.S. Coast Guard anti-terrorism team will return home on Mother’s Day tomorrow from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

During the deployment, Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego members formed the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Maritime Security Detachment and were responsible for securing the port and waterways around the base.

“The Coast Guard is a nimble service that consistently is able to adapt to multiple military missions,” said Cmdr. Eric Cooper, MSST San Diego’s commanding officer. “The team consistently demonstrates quiet professionalism in every job that we perform, and I am extremely proud of their impressive contributions to this strategically important mission for the United States.”

MSST San Diego boat crews, specialized in armed boat tactics and threat interdiction, conducted more than 4,500 hours of continuous patrols during the deployment.

The unit also provided shore-side security at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which includes internal courtroom security for the expeditionary legal complex where military commissions for high value detainees are held. 

Prior to deploying, unit members completed two-months of training that included boat and weapon qualifications, team coordination training and CPR certification. To augment the MSST’s active-duty component, reservists from across the nation were hand selected for the six-month deployment. 

“During the deployment, the active and reserve components integrated seamlessly across all aspects and the reservists brought unique skill sets from their civilian jobs that greatly enhanced our effectiveness,” Cooper said.

The reservist members’ civilian occupations include everything from undergraduate students to police officers and airline employees. Each reservist volunteered for the deployment, were excited to join MSST San Diego and serve their country.

“My time working with the JTF has been an enlightening experience,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie Fletcher, a Coast Guard Reservist normally assigned to Sector Puget Sound. “Recently working with the Navy in CENTCOM as a communications supervisor, I was able to use that experience to bring knowledge to my job here in GTMO.  Working closely with JTF and the Naval Station Guantanamo has helped me a gain a better knowledge of different branches of the military.”

MSST San Diego was created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and is a part of the Department of Homeland Security’s layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways.

MSSTs provide waterborne and a shore-side antiterrorism force protection for strategic shipping, high-interest vessels and critical infrastructure. These units are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving maritime homeland security mission requirements.

Eleven MSSTs are strategically positioned throughout the nation and are components of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group (DOG). The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, DHS, Department of Defense and interagency operational commanders.

Editor’s Note:  Media is invited to attend the homecoming of MSST San Diego at Naval Station North Island, Calif., May 13, 2012.  Family members will be at the hotel to greet their returning loved ones.  Please contact Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson at (202) 631-3313 to coordinate access to the Naval Station.

USCG MSST San Diego to New Orleans GTMO Transfer of Authority

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Outgoing Commander U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego, Cmdr. Eric M. Cooper addresses the audience during the turnover of authority ceremony from San Diego to MSST New Orleans. MSST provides twenty-four hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego / MCSFCO CASEVAC exercise

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — The United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego and the Marine Corps Security Forces Company use a Coast Guard fast boat to swiftly egress injured personnel to a medical check point during a simulated casualty evacuation exercise. Both MSST San Diego and MCSFCO provide 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego-based U.S. Coast Guard anti-terrorism team will return home on Mother’s Day tomorrow from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

During the deployment, Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego members formed the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Maritime Security Detachment and were responsible for securing the port and waterways around the base.

“The Coast Guard is a nimble service that consistently is able to adapt to multiple military missions,” said Cmdr. Eric Cooper, MSST San Diego’s commanding officer. “The team consistently demonstrates quiet professionalism in every job that we perform, and I am extremely proud of their impressive contributions to this strategically important mission for the United States.”

MSST San Diego boat crews, specialized in armed boat tactics and threat interdiction, conducted more than 4,500 hours of continuous patrols during the deployment.

The unit also provided shore-side security at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which includes internal courtroom security for the expeditionary legal complex where military commissions for high value detainees are held. 

Prior to deploying, unit members completed two-months of training that included boat and weapon qualifications, team coordination training and CPR certification. To augment the MSST’s active-duty component, reservists from across the nation were hand selected for the six-month deployment. 

“During the deployment, the active and reserve components integrated seamlessly across all aspects and the reservists brought unique skill sets from their civilian jobs that greatly enhanced our effectiveness,” Cooper said.

The reservist members’ civilian occupations include everything from undergraduate students to police officers and airline employees. Each reservist volunteered for the deployment, were excited to join MSST San Diego and serve their country.

“My time working with the JTF has been an enlightening experience,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie Fletcher, a Coast Guard Reservist normally assigned to Sector Puget Sound. “Recently working with the Navy in CENTCOM as a communications supervisor, I was able to use that experience to bring knowledge to my job here in GTMO.  Working closely with JTF and the Naval Station Guantanamo has helped me a gain a better knowledge of different branches of the military.”

MSST San Diego was created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and is a part of the Department of Homeland Security’s layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways.

MSSTs provide waterborne and a shore-side antiterrorism force protection for strategic shipping, high-interest vessels and critical infrastructure. These units are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving maritime homeland security mission requirements.

Eleven MSSTs are strategically positioned throughout the nation and are components of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group (DOG). The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, DHS, Department of Defense and interagency operational commanders.

Editor’s Note:  Media is invited to attend the homecoming of MSST San Diego at Naval Station North Island, Calif., May 13, 2012.  Family members will be at the hotel to greet their returning loved ones.  Please contact Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson at (202) 631-3313 to coordinate access to the Naval Station.

USCG MSST San Diego to New Orleans GTMO Transfer of Authority

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Outgoing Commander U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego, Cmdr. Eric M. Cooper addresses the audience during the turnover of authority ceremony from San Diego to MSST New Orleans. MSST provides twenty-four hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego / MCSFCO CASEVAC exercise

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — The United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego and the Marine Corps Security Forces Company use a Coast Guard fast boat to swiftly egress injured personnel to a medical check point during a simulated casualty evacuation exercise. Both MSST San Diego and MCSFCO provide 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego-based U.S. Coast Guard anti-terrorism team will return home on Mother’s Day tomorrow from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

During the deployment, Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego members formed the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Maritime Security Detachment and were responsible for securing the port and waterways around the base.

“The Coast Guard is a nimble service that consistently is able to adapt to multiple military missions,” said Cmdr. Eric Cooper, MSST San Diego’s commanding officer. “The team consistently demonstrates quiet professionalism in every job that we perform, and I am extremely proud of their impressive contributions to this strategically important mission for the United States.”

MSST San Diego boat crews, specialized in armed boat tactics and threat interdiction, conducted more than 4,500 hours of continuous patrols during the deployment.

The unit also provided shore-side security at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which includes internal courtroom security for the expeditionary legal complex where military commissions for high value detainees are held. 

Prior to deploying, unit members completed two-months of training that included boat and weapon qualifications, team coordination training and CPR certification. To augment the MSST’s active-duty component, reservists from across the nation were hand selected for the six-month deployment. 

“During the deployment, the active and reserve components integrated seamlessly across all aspects and the reservists brought unique skill sets from their civilian jobs that greatly enhanced our effectiveness,” Cooper said.

The reservist members’ civilian occupations include everything from undergraduate students to police officers and airline employees. Each reservist volunteered for the deployment, were excited to join MSST San Diego and serve their country.

“My time working with the JTF has been an enlightening experience,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie Fletcher, a Coast Guard Reservist normally assigned to Sector Puget Sound. “Recently working with the Navy in CENTCOM as a communications supervisor, I was able to use that experience to bring knowledge to my job here in GTMO.  Working closely with JTF and the Naval Station Guantanamo has helped me a gain a better knowledge of different branches of the military.”

MSST San Diego was created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and is a part of the Department of Homeland Security’s layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways.

MSSTs provide waterborne and a shore-side antiterrorism force protection for strategic shipping, high-interest vessels and critical infrastructure. These units are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving maritime homeland security mission requirements.

Eleven MSSTs are strategically positioned throughout the nation and are components of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group (DOG). The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, DHS, Department of Defense and interagency operational commanders.

Editor’s Note:  Media is invited to attend the homecoming of MSST San Diego at Naval Station North Island, Calif., May 13, 2012.  Family members will be at the hotel to greet their returning loved ones.  Please contact Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson at (202) 631-3313 to coordinate access to the Naval Station.

USCG MSST San Diego to New Orleans GTMO Transfer of Authority

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Outgoing Commander U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego, Cmdr. Eric M. Cooper addresses the audience during the turnover of authority ceremony from San Diego to MSST New Orleans. MSST provides twenty-four hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego / MCSFCO CASEVAC exercise

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — The United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego and the Marine Corps Security Forces Company use a Coast Guard fast boat to swiftly egress injured personnel to a medical check point during a simulated casualty evacuation exercise. Both MSST San Diego and MCSFCO provide 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Norfolk and Chesapeake Police Departments requested assistance from the Coast Guard when a suspect attempted to evade capture by jumping into the water near the Waterside District of Norfolk, Wednesday.

A Coast Guard boatcrew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Portsmouth received notification over VHF-FM channel 16 of a man in the water.

While en route, Norfolk Dispatch contacted the Coast Guard and requested assistance in guiding the man, a suspect in a case, back toward shore and waiting police officers.

“This is another great example of the collaborative efforts of first reponder agencies in the Tidewater Area,” said Lt. Brett Workman, Sector Hampton Roads public affairs officer.

The Chesapeake Police took the man into custody upon reaching shore.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Norfolk and Chesapeake Police Departments requested assistance from the Coast Guard when a suspect attempted to evade capture by jumping into the water near the Waterside District of Norfolk, Wednesday.

A Coast Guard boatcrew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Portsmouth received notification over VHF-FM channel 16 of a man in the water.

While en route, Norfolk Dispatch contacted the Coast Guard and requested assistance in guiding the man, a suspect in a case, back toward shore and waiting police officers.

“This is another great example of the collaborative efforts of first reponder agencies in the Tidewater Area,” said Lt. Brett Workman, Sector Hampton Roads public affairs officer.

The Chesapeake Police took the man into custody upon reaching shore.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo repatriated 24 Dominicans and one Haitian to La Romana, Dominican Republic Friday, following multiple at-sea migrant interdictions Wednesday and Friday  by Caribbean Border Interagency Group law enforcement authorities off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico agreed to prosecute 17 other Dominicans detained during both interdictions, 11 are to face charges for illegal entry, and six, for illegal reentry into a United States Territory.

Friday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Customs and Border Protection agent Friday morning, who notified that the crew Customs and Border Protection dash-8 aircraft had located a migrant vessel, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Customs and Border Protection marine unit also responded.  The crew of a Customs and Border Protection marine unit arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 6 people onboard, 5 men and one woman.  The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo arrived on scene shortly thereafter and embarked the migrants from the Customs and Border Protection marine unit.

Wednesday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action (F.U.R.A.) police officer, who notified that one of their helicopter crews on patrol sighted a migrant vessel transiting illegally to Puerto Rico, approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit also responded.  The Sapelo arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 36 men, 35 Dominicans and one Haitian, onboard. The Sapelo embarked the migrants, while a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen HH-65 Dolphin helicopter flew rescue support overhead.

Biometrics processing and case disposition:

The crew of the Sapelo and Key Largo collected and processed the migrant’s biographical information from both interdictions, including taking their digital fingerprints and facial photographs, to determine if they had any criminal or illegal immigration history in the United States or a U.S. Territory.

The Sapelo and Key Largo rendezvoused with CBP Border Patrol agents in Añasco, Puerto Rico Friday afternoon, where they took the 17 Dominicans into custody to face judicial proceedings ashore, while the Sapelo embarked the four remaining migrants from the Key Largo.

The crew of the Sapelo repatriated the remaining 25 migrants at approximately 8p.m. Friday to La Romana, Dominican Republic as they turned custody of the migrants to awaiting Dominican Republic Naval authorities ashore.

Coast Guard Cutter’s Sapelo and Key Largo are 110-foot patrol boats home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The concept of CBIG resulted from a March 2006 collaboration of local Homeland Security components that effectively stemmed the increased flow of traffic across the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In July 2006, CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection,, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney‘s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation’s Caribbean borders.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo repatriated 24 Dominicans and one Haitian to La Romana, Dominican Republic Friday, following multiple at-sea migrant interdictions Wednesday and Friday  by Caribbean Border Interagency Group law enforcement authorities off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico agreed to prosecute 17 other Dominicans detained during both interdictions, 11 are to face charges for illegal entry, and six, for illegal reentry into a United States Territory.

Friday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Customs and Border Protection agent Friday morning, who notified that the crew Customs and Border Protection dash-8 aircraft had located a migrant vessel, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Customs and Border Protection marine unit also responded.  The crew of a Customs and Border Protection marine unit arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 6 people onboard, 5 men and one woman.  The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo arrived on scene shortly thereafter and embarked the migrants from the Customs and Border Protection marine unit.

Wednesday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action (F.U.R.A.) police officer, who notified that one of their helicopter crews on patrol sighted a migrant vessel transiting illegally to Puerto Rico, approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit also responded.  The Sapelo arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 36 men, 35 Dominicans and one Haitian, onboard. The Sapelo embarked the migrants, while a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen HH-65 Dolphin helicopter flew rescue support overhead.

Biometrics processing and case disposition:

The crew of the Sapelo and Key Largo collected and processed the migrant’s biographical information from both interdictions, including taking their digital fingerprints and facial photographs, to determine if they had any criminal or illegal immigration history in the United States or a U.S. Territory.

The Sapelo and Key Largo rendezvoused with CBP Border Patrol agents in Añasco, Puerto Rico Friday afternoon, where they took the 17 Dominicans into custody to face judicial proceedings ashore, while the Sapelo embarked the four remaining migrants from the Key Largo.

The crew of the Sapelo repatriated the remaining 25 migrants at approximately 8p.m. Friday to La Romana, Dominican Republic as they turned custody of the migrants to awaiting Dominican Republic Naval authorities ashore.

Coast Guard Cutter’s Sapelo and Key Largo are 110-foot patrol boats home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The concept of CBIG resulted from a March 2006 collaboration of local Homeland Security components that effectively stemmed the increased flow of traffic across the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In July 2006, CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection,, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney‘s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation’s Caribbean borders.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo repatriated 24 Dominicans and one Haitian to La Romana, Dominican Republic Friday, following multiple at-sea migrant interdictions Wednesday and Friday  by Caribbean Border Interagency Group law enforcement authorities off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico agreed to prosecute 17 other Dominicans detained during both interdictions, 11 are to face charges for illegal entry, and six, for illegal reentry into a United States Territory.

Friday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Customs and Border Protection agent Friday morning, who notified that the crew Customs and Border Protection dash-8 aircraft had located a migrant vessel, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Customs and Border Protection marine unit also responded.  The crew of a Customs and Border Protection marine unit arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 6 people onboard, 5 men and one woman.  The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo arrived on scene shortly thereafter and embarked the migrants from the Customs and Border Protection marine unit.

Wednesday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action (F.U.R.A.) police officer, who notified that one of their helicopter crews on patrol sighted a migrant vessel transiting illegally to Puerto Rico, approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit also responded.  The Sapelo arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 36 men, 35 Dominicans and one Haitian, onboard. The Sapelo embarked the migrants, while a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen HH-65 Dolphin helicopter flew rescue support overhead.

Biometrics processing and case disposition:

The crew of the Sapelo and Key Largo collected and processed the migrant’s biographical information from both interdictions, including taking their digital fingerprints and facial photographs, to determine if they had any criminal or illegal immigration history in the United States or a U.S. Territory.

The Sapelo and Key Largo rendezvoused with CBP Border Patrol agents in Añasco, Puerto Rico Friday afternoon, where they took the 17 Dominicans into custody to face judicial proceedings ashore, while the Sapelo embarked the four remaining migrants from the Key Largo.

The crew of the Sapelo repatriated the remaining 25 migrants at approximately 8p.m. Friday to La Romana, Dominican Republic as they turned custody of the migrants to awaiting Dominican Republic Naval authorities ashore.

Coast Guard Cutter’s Sapelo and Key Largo are 110-foot patrol boats home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The concept of CBIG resulted from a March 2006 collaboration of local Homeland Security components that effectively stemmed the increased flow of traffic across the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In July 2006, CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection,, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney‘s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation’s Caribbean borders.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo repatriated 24 Dominicans and one Haitian to La Romana, Dominican Republic Friday, following multiple at-sea migrant interdictions Wednesday and Friday  by Caribbean Border Interagency Group law enforcement authorities off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico agreed to prosecute 17 other Dominicans detained during both interdictions, 11 are to face charges for illegal entry, and six, for illegal reentry into a United States Territory.

Friday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Customs and Border Protection agent Friday morning, who notified that the crew Customs and Border Protection dash-8 aircraft had located a migrant vessel, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Customs and Border Protection marine unit also responded.  The crew of a Customs and Border Protection marine unit arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 6 people onboard, 5 men and one woman.  The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo arrived on scene shortly thereafter and embarked the migrants from the Customs and Border Protection marine unit.

Wednesday’s interdiction:

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a report from a Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action (F.U.R.A.) police officer, who notified that one of their helicopter crews on patrol sighted a migrant vessel transiting illegally to Puerto Rico, approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo to interdict the migrant vessel, while a Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit also responded.  The Sapelo arrived on scene and interdicted the migrant vessel with 36 men, 35 Dominicans and one Haitian, onboard. The Sapelo embarked the migrants, while a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen HH-65 Dolphin helicopter flew rescue support overhead.

Biometrics processing and case disposition:

The crew of the Sapelo and Key Largo collected and processed the migrant’s biographical information from both interdictions, including taking their digital fingerprints and facial photographs, to determine if they had any criminal or illegal immigration history in the United States or a U.S. Territory.

The Sapelo and Key Largo rendezvoused with CBP Border Patrol agents in Añasco, Puerto Rico Friday afternoon, where they took the 17 Dominicans into custody to face judicial proceedings ashore, while the Sapelo embarked the four remaining migrants from the Key Largo.

The crew of the Sapelo repatriated the remaining 25 migrants at approximately 8p.m. Friday to La Romana, Dominican Republic as they turned custody of the migrants to awaiting Dominican Republic Naval authorities ashore.

Coast Guard Cutter’s Sapelo and Key Largo are 110-foot patrol boats home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The concept of CBIG resulted from a March 2006 collaboration of local Homeland Security components that effectively stemmed the increased flow of traffic across the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In July 2006, CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection,, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney‘s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation’s Caribbean borders.

The Coast Guard is a multi-mission capable organization.  From keeping waterways navigable with aids to navigation, saving lives and preserving the environment with search and rescue and environmental protection, to ice patrols in the frigid waters of the Arctic, these jobs define the service and its 220 years of history.  However, every Coast Guardsmen had a beginning, every rescuer had a start, and every enlisted member went through the same process to join the Coast Guard, and it all began with a recruiter.

Recruiters are notoriously thought of as used car salesmen.  They prey on naïve kids and sell the flashy dreams of the better life.

“Parents think recruiters are snatching children up in the middle of the night and sending them off to Vietnam,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Warren Weatherford, a recruiter out of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California.  Weatherford said that for a recruiter, that’s one of the hardest misconceptions to get over.

Seaman David Flores, a Coast Guard reservist recruited by Weatherford, affirms that he was not snatched up in the middle of the night.  Flores, who has been enlisted since July 2010, remembers when he first met with Weatherford.

“I did a Google search of Coast Guard recruiters in the area and happened to find Petty Officer Weatherford’s e-mail among them,” said Flores.  “After a few e-mails shot back and forth between us, we decided to meet at his office.  He answered all of my questions to the best of his ability, as well as got me a pretty good deal coming in.”

A recruiter is there to lay down the foundation for the entire Coast Guard by ushering in new recruits.  It is through their integrity and judgment that future Coast Guard men and women are chosen. Recruiters are the filters that shift through a multitude of applicants to find those worthy of wearing Coast Guard blue.

“Ultimately the recruiters have the final say as to who joins and who doesn’t.  I don’t have to put in anyone that I don’t want to serve with,” said Weatherford. “Recruiters recruit in their own image.  We look for people who fit within our core values.”

Thousands of candidates that try to enlist in the Coast Guard every year and less than a quarter of them will qualify to join.

“I’ve handled about 1,500 people in a year and a half trying to join the Coast Guard and I’ve only put in 22.”

According to Weatherford, only 25 percent of candidates eligible for military service will pass the screening process.  Many candidates are disqualified for having medical conditions such as attention deficit disorder or asthma.  However, the number one disqualifying factor for a majority of people is weight.

The Coast Guard is always looking for bright men and women to join their elite ranks; however, the recruiting process takes time.  Before an eligible candidate can enlist, the recruiter does a thorough background check that involves looking at past medical records and searching for any criminal history.  From the time he took his Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, it took Flores eight months to go to basic training.

Recruiters need to be dynamic, personable, patient and flexible.  Their tactics and demands change as the services needs and purposes change.

“The biggest push right now is reservist. Its Coast Guard Recruiting Commands focus,” said Weatherford.

This year, the Coast Guard is looking to recruit about 1,300 reservists.  As a way to maximize this recruiting process, the Coast Guard has procured mobile temporary additional reserve recruiters, also known as T.A.R.R.’s, to enlist skilled individuals such as fire fighters, police officers and other federal employees. 

“When I started the recruitment process, I didn’t know what I could do until after I got my ASVAB scores back,” said Flores.  “Depending on how I scored, it would determine what I could go into.  Thankfully I scored alright on it and I had my pick of whatever I wanted.”

Flores knew what rate he was going to pursue before enlisting. 

“It was kind of cool going through boot camp and already knowing what I was going to be doing.”

Coast Guard recruiters are looking to set up shop on Coast Guard instillations.  Coast Guard Island has the very first recruiting office on a Coast Guard base.  According to Weatherford, it is a pilot program that hopes to strengthen bonds with Coast Guard Island and the active duty members.

“Coasties sell this better than anybody,” said Weatherford.  ”You’re recruiting even when you’re not recruiting.  When you’re out there telling people about how cool your job is, you’re helping the recruiting process. It’s easier for 100 people to talk to 100 people.  Also, there was a need with the Officer program.  You need to go through a recruiter for the officer program.  It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

The Coast Guard is a tapestry constantly being weaved.  Displayed across it is a story of the services past, present and future.  It is a rich story told by its members and the recruiter is like the needle ushering the story along.  Every Coast Guardsmen had a beginning, every rescuer had a start, and every enlisted member went through the same process to join the Coast Guard.  However different a story that beginning may be, it all began with a recruiter.