A U.S. Coast Guard crew from the Cutter Dependable assists with Hurricane Florence response in North Carolina.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Jezel Huston and Ensign Lauren Kowalski)
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dependable (WMEC-626) returned to Little Creek, Virginia, after responding to Hurricane Florence and conducting a 42-day Mid-Atlantic fisheries patrol, Monday.
During the patrol, the Dependable was called to assist with the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Several dozen crewmembers volunteered to help Coast Guard units in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, rebuild critical infrastructure and restore habitability. Over a three-day period, the Dependable helped re-open waterways essential to facilitating commerce in the Port of Morehead City, North Carolina, provided needed supplies, and repaired damaged grounds to local Coast Guard units. The crew’s work helped Coast Guard Sector Field Office and Station Fort Macon restore their operations and assist their local partners in re-establishing their community.
Prior to Hurricane Florence, from New Jersey to South Carolina, the Dependable’s boarding teams inspected U.S. fishing vessels’ catch, gear, and lifesaving equipment, ensuring that the vessels were operating safely and legally. The boarding teams identified a variety of lifesaving equipment concerns on board several fishing vessels. The teams helped fix issues on the spot and educated the crews on the importance of maintaining their equipment.
“Enforcement of fisheries regulations at sea is a vital part of ensuring our natural resources are around for future generations,” said Cmdr. Rula Deisher, commanding officer of the Dependable. “When Hurricane Florence came through, we quickly shifted gears and responded to the devastation she left in her wake. The teamwork and enthusiasm displayed by the crew to help fellow Coast Guardsmen in need was fantastic. I am very proud of Coast Guard Cutter Dependable and the work they accomplished this patrol.”
The Dependable is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter, which routinely deploys in support of counter-drug, alien migrant interdiction, living marine resources, and search and rescue missions.
