ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — The crew of the Naval Station Mayport based, 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter Valiant will return home Nov. 21 after completing a 50-day deployment in the Gulf of Mexico.
The 80-member crew of the Valiant deployed in support of Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard counter-narcotics, living marine resource and border protection missions.
This was the crew's first deployment after their permanent change of homeport.
During the deployment crewmembers aboard the Valiant ensured the maritime safety, security, and stewardship of the commercial fishing vessel industry along the Gulf coast.
Valiant crewmembers examined more than 160,000 lbs of shrimp worth a market value of nearly $800,000 during 20 at-sea boardings.
While inspecting Gulf shrimp vessels, Valiant issued 68 fisheries and safety violations. These types of enforcement actions ensure compliance with laws promoting sustainable fisheries policies and protect fishing vessel crews against maritime hazards.
This deployment allowed Coast Guardsman aboard the Valiant to celebrate a significant milestone in the ship’s history. While underway, the crew honored the ship's 45-years-of service since it was first commissioned on November 3, 1967.
Honoring the ship's past, the Valiant crew made two port visits to the city of Galveston, Texas, the cutter’s homeport from 1967 to 1991.
“Valiant has a long history of service in the Gulf of Mexico," said Cmdr. Stephen Burdian, commanding officer Coast Guard Cutter Valiant. "I’m very proud of this crew as we were able to continue that legacy of excellence."
Valiant shifted homeports from Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, Fla., to Naval Station Mayport in August. The crew of the Valiant eagerly anticipates the return to spend the holidays with family and friends in the Jacksonville area.
