WASHINGTON — Ms. Carleen Lyden-Kluss, co-founder and executive director of North American Marine Environment Protection Association, and Vice Adm. Brian Salerno, deputy commandant for operations, participate in a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2012. As part of the new partnership, the Coast Guard and NAMEPA will collaborate to create an elementary school curriculum that will focus on marine debris prevention. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

WASHINGTON - Ms. Carleen Lyden-Kluss, co-founder and executive director of North American Marine Environment Protection Association, and Vice Adm. Brian Salerno, deputy commandant for operations, shake hands during a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2012. This partnership allows the Coast Guard to further its marine environmental protection mission and message through NAMEPA's strategic alliances with port captains, industry and maritime interests. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association announced an agreement to co-develop and implement outreach, training and educational materials aimed at reducing maritime pollution.

Under the memorandum of understanding, signed during a ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters, Jan. 10, the Coast Guard will expand its marine environmental protection education and outreach program within NAMEPA’s strategic alliances. Furthermore, the Coast Guard will collaborate with NAMEPA to develop an elementary school curriculum that will focus on reducing marine debris.

“NAMEPA is honored to be partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in our shared goal to ‘Save our Seas’,” said Carleen Lyden-Kluss, co-founder and executive director of NAMEPA. “Through this partnership, we will be able to join forces in promoting the reduction of marine debris, and help in the education of the public about the risks associated with careless disposal of litter. It is our hope that this initial effort will be followed by future projects which serve to protect our marine environment and promote respect and care for it.”

“By partnering with NAMEPA to increase outreach efforts to students who will be future stewards the world's ocean, we are fulfilling the Coast Guard’s maritime stewardship mission to protect our valuable marine environment.” said Vice Adm. Brian Salerno, the Coast Guard’s Deputy Commandant for Operations.

UMM QASR, Iraq — U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Brodie MacDonald (center), assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Adak, explains the use of the heaving line bag to Iraqi navy sailors during a professional exchange, Dec. 20, 2011.  Adak is the first U.S. military ship to conduct a port visit to Iraq following the official end of the war, and the last port U.S. military port visit for 2011.  Adak is assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, under Commander, Task Force 55, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/released)

UMM QASR, Iraq — U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2ndClass Brodie MacDonald (left) explains how to secure line around a bollard, while Seaman David Killough(center) demonstrates wrapping the line, during a professional exchange with Iraqi navy sailors aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Adak.  Adak is the first U.S. military ship to conduct a port visit to Iraq following the official end of the war, and the last U.S. military port visit for 2011.  Adak is assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, under Commander, Task Force 55, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/released)

UMM QASR, Iraq — The Coast Guard Cutter Adak conducted training with Iraqi navy units here Wednesday, during the first port visit made by a U.S. military ship since the end of Operation New Dawn and the end of the war in Iraq.

Adak crewmembers provided training to their Iraqi counterparts in subjects including voyage planning, navigation and towing operations.  Iraqi navy sailors toured the Adak, and then received hands-on training in towing and navigation from Adak’s crew.  The Adak crew then toured Iraqi patrol boats andfurther partnered with those crews.

“I am encouraged to see continued engagements between our maritime forces,” said Lt. Shawn Deweese, commanding officer of the Adak.  “Adak was part of the strategic withdrawal of Coast Guard training and advisory personnel from Iraq in August.  We are pleased to be afforded the opportunity to return and provide training as maritime professionals and to continue promoting maritime cooperation between our countries.”

Military-to-military engagements enhance cooperation and interoperability, enhance mutual maritime capabilities and promote long-term regional stability and security.  Through theater security cooperation engagements, such as this port visit and training evolution, U.S. maritime forces continue to strengthen the partnership with the Iraqi navy, while assisting both forces to build capability, collaboration and professionalism.  Coast Guard Mobile Training Teams delivered maritime training and capacity-building assistance to more than 50 nations, training thousands of host country participants and engaging in security cooperation activities with partner nations including Coast Guard-conducted anti-piracy operations near the Horn of Africa.

“I am extremely proud of Adak’s success during their latest Umm Qasar, Iraq port visit, said Coast Guard Capt. Cameron Naron, commodore, Patrol Forces Southwest Asia.  “Their thorough preparation, professionalism, andflexibility contributed significantly to continued successful military-to-military cooperation with the Iraqi navy.”

Patrol boatslike the 110-foot, Island-class Adak, are the workhorses of America’s littoral maritime fleet.  Possessing superior speed andflexibility, Coast Guard patrol boats deliver the Coast Guard’s unique blend of military capability, law enforcement authority andlifesaving expertise where needed – along the coasts of the U.S. or around the globe.

The Adak is one of six Coast Guard patrol boats assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, under Commander, Task Force 55.  The Adak gained notoriety in the early stages of the Iraq war during Operation Iraqi Freedon, when the crew captured an Iraqi Republican Guard crewmember from a destroyed PB-90 gunboat, while conducting maritime interdiction operations on the Khawr Abd Allah Waterway.  The Adak rescued the POW, who was suffering from hypothermia, from the Khawr Abd Allah Waterway, taking what was to be one of the first maritime POWs of the war.  To learn more about the Coast Guard’s role in the Iraq war visit the Coast Guard Historian’s site at http://www.uscg.mil/history/Iraqi_Freedom_Index.asp or click here.

The Adak, andthe other 41 Island-class, patrol boats, are being replaced by 58 new, Sentinel-class fast response cutters.  The fast response cutter is capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots and can operate in seas up to 18-feet.  Armed with a 25-mm chain gun and four, .50 caliber machine guns, the fast response cutter provides lethal firepower for national defense or homeland security missions in the littoral zone, while its speed and stability deliver tremendous lifesaving and law enforcement capabilities in the same package. 

(The commanding officer of Adak and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs contributed to this release)

EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN — The Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell, a 378-foot high endurance cutter homeported in San Diego, interdicted the fishing vessel El Soberano when it intercepted the vessel towing a panga boat with suspicious cargo aboard more than 230 miles from the coast of Ecuador, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011. The Boutwell's boarding team conducted a search of the boat and discovered 40 bales of cocaine totaling more than 2,000 pounds of drugs. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN — The fishing vessel El Soberano, which was carrying illegal drugs was stopped by the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell, a 378-foot high endurance cutter homeported in San Diego, which was on patrol when it intercepted the El Soberano towing a panga boat with suspicious cargo more than 230 miles from the coast of Ecuador, Nov. 23, 2011. The Boutwell's boarding team conducted a search of the boat and discovered 40 bales of cocaine totaling more than 2,000 pounds of drugs. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard announced Thursday the interdiction of more than 2,470 pounds of cocaine, and the detention of 12 suspects, during three separate missions in the Eastern Pacific the week of Nov. 21.

The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, a national security cutter, and the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell, a Secretary Class high endurance cutter, were on counter-drug patrols in  the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  Boutwell’s crew intercepted a drug-laden fishing vessel more than 200 miles west of Ecuador while Bertholf’s crew recovered cocaine jettisoned from a speed boat they were pursuing near the coast of Panama.

Of the 771 metric tons of cocaine known to be bound for the U.S. in 2011, more than 85 percent was transported on the high seas.  In 2010 the U.S. Coast Guard kept 73.9 metric tons of cocaine, interdicted in the maritime transit zone between South America and Central and North America, from reaching our shores, nearly double the amount seized by one million federal, state, local and tribal officials located on our land borders and in communities across the U.S. 

“The pervasive threat of maritime drug smuggling that we witnessed in fiscal year 2011 is a good example of why we need modern capabilities like the national security cutter to protect our nation, ”  said Coast Guard commandant Adm. Bob Papp.  “Dollar for dollar, the best investment of taxpayer money for ensuring U.S. security, defending our borders from threats, enforcing sovereignty, and guarding marine resources is in capabilities that enable Coast Guard persistent presence at sea where we can meet threats before they reach our shores.  With counterdrug operations, this strategy has enabled us to seize bulk quantities of narcotics at sea before they are offloaded ashore, separated between dealers, and then broken down for sale on our streets and in our neighborhoods.”

The Coast Guard executed 120 drug interdiction cases in fiscal year 2011, keeping 75.6 metric tons of cocaine and 17.3 metric tons of marijuana from reaching U.S. shores.  More than 23 metric tons of cocaine have been seized since Aug. 29.  The Coast Guard also seized 40 vessels and detained 191 suspects in fiscal year 2011, which ended Sept. 30.

“The nation relies on the Coast Guard to protect against seaborne threats,” Papp said.  “Our cutters are stationed in waters vital to U.S. interests and provide the law enforcement and military capability to respond to, interdict and deal with these threats.”

The primary method of maritime drug smuggling remains the “go-fast” boat, which accounted for 58 percent of interdiction cases.  Self-propelled, semi-submersible vessels, commonly referred to as drug subs, accounted for 19 percent, while fishing vessels accounted for four percent of maritime drug smuggling activity. 

Boutwell’s interdiction began Nov. 23 when the cutter approached the Ecuadorian-flagged fishing vessel El Soberano, approximately 230 miles west of Ecuador.  The Coast Guard crew observed suspicious packages on board, saw there was no fishing gear on the deck and noted the El Soberano was towing a smaller launch.  The Boutwell’s boarding team conducted a search of the fishing vessel, discovering 40 bales of cocaine weighing between 50 to 56 pounds each.  The boarding team detained all nine individuals aboard the two vessels and brought them aboard Boutwell.

"I couldn't be prouder of my crew for their vigilance and decisive actions during this interdiction," said Capt. Matthew J. Gimple, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell.  "For more than 42 years, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell has safeguarded America’s maritime interests – at home and around the world – saving those in peril, defending our maritime border, and protecting the maritime transportation system, natural resources and the marine environment.  We’ve had three interdictions this month, all of which were 200 miles or more offshore;  the ability to operate multiple, over-the-horizon boats and aircraft from our cutter for sustained periods is key to success.”

Bertholf’s action began five nautical miles west of Punta Caracoles, Panama, while the cutter was on patrol in Panamanian waters under the authority of an embarked Panamanian shiprider.  Bertholf was alerted by a maritime patrol airplane that a “go-fast” drug smuggling speedboat was in the area.  The crew of the Bertholf located the “go-fast” using the ship’s Forward Looking Infrared sensor and radar.  The cutter’s over-the-horizon boat was launched and its crew intercepted the suspect boat.  The “go-fast” fled, jettisoning about nine bales, one of which was recovered by the crew of the pursuing Bertholf over-the horizon boat.  The suspect boat eluded law enforcement using the cover of coves and islands in the area of the chase.  The pursuit ended as the chase neared the territorial seas of Colombia.  The marine patrol airplane identified a debris field from which seven bales and one kilo of cocaine were subsequently recovered. 

Two nights prior, the crew of the Bertholf intercepted another “go-fast,” netting two bales of cocaine and three suspects who were turned over to SENAN, the Panamanian Maritime service.

"My crew's response was exceptional during the prosecution of this case, and I'm proud to report we foiled these drug smugglers and kept the narcotics from reaching their ultimate destination - the United States," said Capt. Thomas E. Crabbs, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf.  “The Bertholf is one of the Coast Guard's newest cutters, unique to the United States and uniquely equipped to respond to all threats; it served the nation well during this case.”

The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf is on a 70-day patrol conducting counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific.  Cutters like the Bertholf routinely conduct operations from South America to the Bering Sea where their unmatched combination of range, speed, and ability to operate in extreme weather provides the mission flexibility necessary to conduct alien migrant interdiction operations, domestic fisheries protection, search and rescue, counter-narcotics and homeland security operations at great distances from shore keeping threats far from the U.S. mainland.

The Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell is on a 60-day deployment for counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific.  So far in this patrol they have been involved in three law enforcement cases resulting in the seizure or jettison of 3,800 pounds of cocaine worth $40 million.  The Boutwell and the Coast Guard's current fleet of cutters is from 30 to 45 years old, constituting one of the oldest fleets in the world while being one of the busiest.

The Boutwell and the 11 other original Secretary-class, high endurance cutters, are being replaced by eight Legend-class, national security cutters like the cutter Bertholf. The NCSs are faster, better equipped, more durable, safer and more efficient than their predecessor, and will allow the Coast Guard to continue and build on the proud history of service provided by their predecessor class, delivering a unique blend of military capability, law enforcement authority and lifesaving expertise wherever needed to protect American interests, today and for decades to come.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard honored veterans of the service during a wreath-laying ceremony Friday held at the Coast Guard World War I Memorial,  Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Jane Holl Lute, joined Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt in the Veterans Day, wreath-laying ceremony.  The Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard and the Coast Guard Ceremonial Band also participated in the event.

"The Department of Homeland Security is fortunate to have the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard protecting our coastline and maritime interests around the world," said Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute. "They carry on the great tradition of those who have served in defense of our freedom. As a former member of the U.S. Army, it is an honor to remember the Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives in World War I, and to recognize the service and sacrifice of all of our Veterans."

"Our Nation has always had absolute confidence in, [the fact] that our citizens will step forward during our greatest hour of need, to selflessly defend our freedoms, and when necessary, to lay their lives on the altar of patriotism," said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp. "This willingness embodies the essence of service…and what it truly means to be called a veteran.”

The Coast Guard monument at Arlington National Cemetery was dedicated May 23, 1928 as a tribute to the Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives in World War I. The monument is inscribed with the names of Coast Guardsmen who were killed during the war. The southeast side is dedicated to the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, sunk by an enemy submarine in Bristol Channel Sept. 26, 1918. The northwest side is dedicated to the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca, which lost 11 Coast Guardsmen while salvaging the torpedoed British Steamer Wellington in the Bay of Biscay Sept. 17, 1918. The architect was George Howe and the sculptor was Gaston Lachaise.

Six cutters were sent to Europe for convoy duty while smaller cutters patrolled the U.S. Coast Guard during World War 1. Coast Guardsmen were also integrated into Navy commands and Coast Guard officers commanded several Navy air stations and ships.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard and the Association of Diving Contractors International announced Monday an agreement to form a Partnership Action Team to promote and improve safety within the commercial diving industry. 

The Coast Guard and ADCI seek to achieve improved safety within the industry through enhanced communication, collaboration and cooperation.  The intention of the agreement is to complement other industry partnerships and provide a more efficient means for joint Coast Guard and ADCI interactions.

“Today’s agreement aligns our shared efforts to elevate commercial diving safety standards,” said Rear Adm. Paul Zukunft, the assistant commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship. “As the effort to revise commercial diving regulations continues, I’m hopeful this partnership will improve effectiveness by bringing the Coast Guard and the represented segment of industry together in a cooperative effort to enhance diver safety and environmental protection within the commercial diving community.”

ADCI represents more than 500 companies with a diverse membership whose stated mission is the improving of safety and efficiency of commercial diving operations worldwide.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday an agreement to jointly enforce U.S. and international air pollution requirements for vessels operating in U.S. waters.

The requirements establish limits on nitrogen oxides (NO_x) emissions and require the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, protecting people’s health and the environment by reducing ozone-producing pollution, which can cause smog and aggravate asthma. The most stringent requirements apply to ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast of North America.

“This agreement demonstrates the Coast Guard’s long-standing commitment to protecting our nation’s marine environment,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. “Aligning our capabilities with EPA enhances that commitment while minimizing the impact on shipping.”

“Today’s agreement forges a strong partnership between EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing our shared commitment to enforce air emissions standards for ships operating in U.S. waters,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Reducing harmful air pollution is a priority for EPA and by working with the Coast Guard we will ensure that the ships moving through our waters meet their environmental obligations, protecting our nation’s air quality and the health of our coastal communities.”

The large marine diesel engines that provide propulsion and auxiliary power on many ocean-going vessels emit significant amounts of pollution. Without further action, EPA estimates that by 2030, NO_x emissions from ships will more than double, growing to 2.1 million tons per year. The memorandum of understanding  signed by the EPA and Coast Guard outlines the agencies’ commitment to jointly enforce federal and international laws that the EPA projects could prevent 12,000-31,000 premature deaths annually by 2030. Under the MOU, both the Coast Guard and EPA will perform inspections and investigations, and will take appropriate enforcement actions if a violation is detected. 

A letter to industry was also signed today by the Coast Guard and EPA to provide the regulated community with notice that the Coast Guard and EPA will be taking measures to promote compliance with federal and international air pollution requirements and will be actively pursuing violations.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations agency which deals with maritime safety, security and the prevention of marine pollution from ships across the globe. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), developed through the IMO, is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships. MARPOL Annex VI addresses air pollution from ships through the use of both engine-based and fuel-based standards. Additionally, MARPOL Annex VI requires ships operated in designated geographical areas, known as emission control areas or ECAs, to meet the most advanced standards for NOx emissions and fuel sulfur limits. The United States became a party to MARPOL Annex VI in 2008 and the treaty is implemented in the United States through the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).

Read the MOU here.

Learn about EPA’s Ocean Vessels and Large Ships program: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm