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Coast Guard cutter intercepted SPSS before it sank
The 'Forward (WMEC 911)' intercepted a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel during a routine patrol on Feb 24, 2026, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A maritime patrol aircraft had detected the vessel and reported the location to the 'Forward', which rapidly deployed its over-the-horizon cutter pursuit boat and an embarked MH-65 aircraft from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) to intercept the suspicious boat. Despite repeated verbal commands issued by the boarding team, the SPSS failed to comply or stop their vessel. The boarding team successfully gained access to the vessel, secured positive control, and apprehended four suspected narco-terrorists. All personnel were safely evacuated to the cutter as the SPSS experienced flooding and subsequently sank. SPSS vessels are commonly used by maritime criminal networks to transport large quantities of drugs in the Eastern Pacific. The Coast Guard routinely interdicts these vessels as part of ongoing counterdrug operations in the region. Report with photos and video: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4431689/cgc-forward-interdicts-suspected-drug-smugglers-in-eastern-pacific-sea/
Coast Guard Cutter returned home after assisting sailing yacht and apprehending drug smugglers
The 'Forward (WMEC 911)' returned to their home port in Portsmouth on May 19, following a 79-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The ship was deployed in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) to conduct counter-drug operations while underway in the 11th Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. Through detection, monitoring and interdiction efforts, it directly reduced the flow of illicit narcotics into the USA. The 'Forward’ worked alongside additional units to include the Coast Guard Cutters 'Kimball (WMSL 756)', 'Thetis (WMEC 910)', and the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – South (TACLET-S) to stop suspected drug smuggling while patrolling off the Pacific coast of Central and South America. While at sea, the cutter interdicted a vessel engaged in drug-trafficking. After it was detected by a maritime patrol aircraft, a Coast Guard boarding team that included members from TACLET-S launched to pursue the vessel, which led to the apprehension of four suspected drug traffickers. A second small boat crew was launched to locate and recover 37 bales of cocaine that were jettisoned by the suspected traffickers, resulting in the seizure of 2,039 pounds of cocaine worth more than $23 million. On May 17, the crew of the 'Forward' rescued two people and their disabled 60-foot sailboat nearly 90 miles off Charleston, South Carolina. The 'Forward’ towed the sailboat to coastal waters, where a Station Charleston boat crew and a commercial salvage vessel took over and safely transported the two sailors and their boat to shore. No injuries were reported. During the deployment, the 'Forward’ engaged with Ecuadorian navy officials and valued partners in the Galápagos Islands during a port of call on San Cristóbal Island, Ecuador. Forward hosted the delegation aboard the cutter, providing a tour to highlight Coast Guard capabilities in support of U.S., Ecuadorian, and international joint objectives. Report with photos: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4190723/coast-guard-cutter-forward-returns-home-after-seizing-more-than-23m-in-cocaine/
Cocaine seized by two Coast Guard Cutters offloaded in San Diego
The Coast Guard Cutter 'Kimball (WMSL 756)' offloaded approximately 18,898 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than $214.3 million, on April 24, 2025, in San Diego. The offload was a result of six separate suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions or events off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America by the 'Kimball' and the F'orward' during the months of February through April. Multiple U.S. agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, collaboradte in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, all played a role in counter-narcotic operations. Report with photos and video: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4165700/coast-guard-offloads-more-than-214-million-worth-of-illegal-cocaine-in-san-diego/
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