Back from the Arctic: Coast Guard Cutter Returns to Alameda Friday

From a U.s. Coast Guard press release:

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche is scheduled to return home to Alameda on Friday, Nov. 29, following a 109-day deployment in the the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean.The Waesche’s crew conducted a broad range of operations including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime surveillance and community outreach.

DEPLOYMENT HIGHLIGHTS

• The crew was on scene for the opening of the red king crab fishing season to help ensure the safety and security of fishermen conducting operations in the Bering Sea. The crew also enforced fisheries laws and regulations to ensure sustainable fishing is practiced in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. 
• The crew responded to five search and rescue cases including a removal of 14 mariners from a fishing vessel, Alaska Mist. The Alaska Mist was disabled 160 nautical miles northeast of Dutch Harbor. 
• The crew also participated in several community relation projects, including maintenance and upkeep at a high school in Unalaska, Alaska.   

“I’m incredibly proud and honored to serve alongside my Waesche shipmates,” said Capt. John McKinley, commanding officer of the Waesche. “They performed well beyond my expectations in many different Coast Guard mission areas in one of the harshest maritime environments. This is an incredible ship and crew.”