Crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley have returned to Kodiak, after a 50-day deployment providing search and rescue coverage over some 890,000 miles of the Bering Sea during one of the most challenging times of the year on those ocean waters.
During their deployment, the Alex Haley conducted four federal fisheries law enforcement boardings, to ensure the sustainability of Pacific cod stocks for the $13.9 billion fishery, Coast Guard officials said.
On Dec. 30, the Alex Haley responded to a report of an injured fisherman some 80 miles northeast of Dutch Harbor, providing over six hours of medical care until an Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, which had deployed on the cutter during the patrol, was able to medevac the patient to advanced care.
“It’s always difficult being separated from family during the holidays but the crew did a great job of giving the cutter a festive makeover and found creative ways to stay positive during a stressful time,” said Capt. Benjamin Golightly, commanding officer of the cutter.
They remained diligent and devoted to mission success in all aspects, he said.
