Crewmembers return in time for Thanksgiving
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — The crew of the Naval Station Mayport-based, 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter Valiant returned home Wednesday after completing a 50-day deployment in the Gulf of Mexico.
The 80-member crew of the Valiant deployed in support of Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard counter-narcotics, living marine resource and border protection missions.
This was the crew’s first deployment after their permanent change of homeport.
During the deployment, crewmembers aboard the Valiant ensured the maritime safety, security, and stewardship of the commercial fishing vessel industry along the Gulf coast.
Valiant crewmembers examined more than 160,000 lbs of shrimp worth a market value of nearly $800,000 during 20 at-sea boardings.
While inspecting Gulf shrimp vessels, Valiant crewmembers issued 68 fisheries and safety violations. These types of enforcement actions ensure compliance with laws promoting sustainable fisheries policies and protect fishing vessel crews against maritime hazards.
This deployment allowed Coast Guardsmen aboard the Valiant to celebrate a significant milestone in the ship’s history. While underway, the crew honored the ship’s 45-years-of service since it was first commissioned on November 3, 1967.
Honoring the ship’s past, the Valiant crew made two port visits to the city of Galveston, Texas, the cutter’s homeport from 1967 to 1991.
“Valiant has a long history of service in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Cmdr. Stephen Burdian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant. “I’m very proud of this crew as we were able to continue that legacy of excellence.”
Valiant shifted homeports from Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, Fla., to Naval Station Mayport in August. The crew of the Valiant eagerly returned to spend the holidays with family and friends in the Jacksonville area.
Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crewmembers depart the cutter to meet their family members at a homecoming ceremony, aboard Naval Station Mayport, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Potter.
The son and wife of a Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crewmember await his return at a homecoming ceremony aboard Naval Station Mayport, Wednesday Nov. 21, 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Potter.
Children of Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crewmembers await their return at a homecoming ceremony aboard Naval Station Mayport. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Potter.
A Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crewmember reunites with his family at a homecoming ceremony aboard Naval Station Mayport. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Potter.
