JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James went underway Jan. 28, 2018, from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, S.C.
USCGC James is on its way to join an inter-agency task force aimed at disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. During the USCGC James’ last voyage, the crew managed to seize over nine tons of cocaine destined for the U.S.
“The James is a highly advanced vessel capable of supporting and conducting a broad spectrum of operations to support the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense,” said Captain Jeffery Randall, USCGC James commander. “Although the James is a highly advanced cutter, the ship itself would not be effective without each and every crew member onboard.”
Since its commissioning, the ship has facilitated a number of government agencies in a variety of mission sets. The cutter served as the command control center during the humanitarian response to Hurricane Maria in late 2017.
According to the USCG official website, the James and five other “legend-class” national security cutters were commissioned for the U.S. Coast Guard’s need of an open ocean patrol cutter fleet. In 2017, the “legend-class” fleet interdicted approximately 160,000 of the total 455,000 pounds of cocaine intercepted by the entire U.S. Coast Guard.
“The James is an around the clock 24/7 operation committed to protecting the nation from threats delivered by the sea, protecting the people who work on the sea and protecting the sea itself,” said Randall.