During that time, crew members of the 420-foot Legend-class National Security Cutter returned after finishing an expeditionary patrol that supported military operations in the Pacific Ocean, the agency said.
They partnered on a number of missions, including search and rescue and IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing enforcement operations.
“I’m tremendously proud of my crew’s exceptional performance, especially considering how their dedication and teamwork allowed them to overcome the many challenges associated with operating by ourselves for long periods of time in remote locations and the difficulties created by the global pandemic,” the Kimball’s commanding officer, Capt. Holly Harrison, said. “They adapted and overcame every obstacle and challenge put in their way.”
Crew members queried 21 foreign fishing vessels, and boarded six that provided “vital information reports for the partners in their efforts to combat IUU,” according to the agency.
“The National Security Cutters bring a capacity and capability into the Coast Guard which are truly game changing when it comes to curbing IUU in the Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Matthew Sibley, commander of Coast Guard 14th District. “Patrols such as the Kimball’s display these cutters’ ability to cover large swaths of the Pacific and support our partners in joint conservation efforts while contributing to the overall stability of the region.”