Cutter Tahoma completes 50-day patrol

KITTERY, Maine — Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma returned to its homeport at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Saturday after a 50-day patrol in the Straits of Florida.

Tahoma's crew interdicted four different migrant vessels, which resulted in saving 53 lives. Tahoma's crew enabled the safe repatriation of more than 310 migrants in just three weeks time.

Tahoma's crew also underwent a three-week, all-hands training assessment in Mayport, Florida, known as Tailored Ship’s Training Availability that prepares the ship and crew for emergency situations through a wide range of drills, exercises, and operational scenarios.

“This was a special patrol for many reasons," said Cmdr. Willie L. Carmichael, Tahoma's commanding officer. "We dedicated time for training and readiness and it was showcased through our ability to execute operations during a very dynamic patrol.”

Tahoma has a crew of 14 officers and 86 enlisted men and women who conduct maritime law enforcement, homeland security and search and rescue missions in support of Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.