ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Coast Guard Cutter Sherman, based at Coast Guard Island here, is scheduled to arrive home just in time for the holidays, Tuesday, after a two-month patrol to Alaska.
The crew of the Sherman patrolled extensively in the Bering Sea, where they boarded vessels fishing for Red King Crab, the most valuable Alaskan crab species. More than 90 commercial fishing vessels harvested more than 20 million pounds of Red King Crab during this season. The Sherman’s law enforcement boarding teams operated under extreme weather and sea conditions to prevent violations of U.S. fishery laws, review fishing records and permits, and inspect safety and firefighting equipment. A total of 14 commercial fishing vessels were boarded by the Sherman. Additionally, the Sherman crew was on standby for any search and rescue cases in the Bering Sea.
“Maritime operations in Alaskan waters are never easy due to the harsh environment,” said Capt. Mathew Bliven, Commanding Officer of the Sherman. “After experiencing high winds and winter storms in the Bering Sea during the patrol, our newer sailors have a greater respect for the forces of nature. The entire crew is eager to arrive home for the holidays, but we’ve already received our gift — fulfilling our role as Guardians so that hundreds of commercial fishermen and women can safely return to their families as well.”
Sherman was unable to be home for the holidays last year, as it was on patrol in the Eastern Pacific. During that patrol, the cutter’s crew seized 4.5 metric tons of cocaine from two vessels.
