CHARLESTON, S.C. – The crew of the 378-foot Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin is scheduled to return to its homeport of Charleston, S.C., Wednesday at 6 p.m.
During the 91-day patrol, the Gallatin crew conducted law enforcement and supported U.S. counter-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea and Florida Straits while deployed with an aviation detachment from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron based in Jacksonville, Fla.
Gallatin crewmemebers conducted four law enforcement boardings over the course of the cutter’s patrol, including a joint boarding with the Nicaraguan Navy.
Crewmembers also took part in Operation Martillo. Operation Martillo (Spanish for ‘hammer’) is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus.
Gallatin made port calls in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
The 44-year-old Gallatin and the 11 other original Secretary-class, high endurance cutters, are being replaced by eight Legend-class, national security cutters. The NCSs are faster, better equipped, more durable, safer and more efficient than their predecessor, and will allow the Coast Guard to deliver its unique blend of military capability, law enforcement authority and lifesaving expertise wherever needed to protect American interests, today and for decades to come.
As the Coast Guard’s last Hamilton class cutter stationed on the east coast, the Gallatin is the largest and most capable Coast Guard vessel patrolling the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard Cutter Dallas, another Hamilton class cutter previously stationed in Charleston, was sold to the Philippines earlier this year.
