BOSTON – The Boston-based Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba returned to its homeport Saturday after heading south for an international naval exercise and immigration enforcement operations.
Escanaba, a 270-foot medium endurance cutter, joined 13 other international naval vessels in the UNITAS Atlantic naval exercise sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command and hosted by the U.S. Navy Fourth Fleet.
UNITAS is the longest-running and largest maritime exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between maritime forces. The two-week exercise was designed to train participants in a variety of maritime scenarios.
Escanaba’s crew generally conduct search and rescue missions, enforces fisheries regulations and performs drug and migrant interdictions.
“As we worked with the various international naval vessels, we accomplished the exercise goals to improve communications and interoperability with partner nations,” said Cmdr. Chris Glander, commanding officer of the Escanaba. “We are undoubtedly better prepared for our defense readiness mission than ever before.”
After UNITAS, Escanaba resumed its migrant interdiction operations. In the remaining weeks of its 52-day patrol, Escanaba successfully interdicted three migrant vessels and detained 47 Cuban migrants attempting to illegally enter the United States.
Coast Guard cutters, boats and aircraft are on the patrol in every coastal community, saving lives, property and safeguarding the Nation from threats from the sea.
Coast Guard cutters like the Escanaba bring unique qualifications, technologies, and capabilities to the offshore environment, making it possible to carry out missions like immigration enforcement efficiently and safely. Capable of extended deployments, long-range patrols, and at-sea operations, these ships are essential for the Coast Guard’s offshore readiness.
