Honolulu, HI – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) has returned to its home port in Honolulu following a 79-day counterdrug patrol across the Eastern Pacific Ocean, during which the crew seized an estimated $156 million worth of cocaine, officials announced Friday. The operation is part of the ongoing “Operation Pacific Viper”, a coordinated effort to combat transnational drug trafficking.
The Mission: 79 Days at Sea Targeting Drug Smuggling Networks
The extensive patrol was carried out under the Joint Interagency Task Force–South (JIATF-S), headquartered in Key West, Florida. JIATF-S oversees detection and monitoring of illegal drug movements across the Eastern Pacific, a region known for heavy maritime narcotics trafficking routes originating from South and Central America.
Once interdiction efforts begin, operational command shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific Area Command, based in Alameda, California. During this deployment, Midgett’s crew successfully intercepted multiple suspected drug vessels, disrupting major smuggling routes used by criminal cartels.
The estimated $156 million in cocaine seized reflects one of the most substantial interdictions in recent years within the region, underscoring the Coast Guard’s expanding role in counter-narcotics operations across the Pacific.
Partnerships and Tactical Coordination
The Midgett’s crew collaborated closely with several specialized law enforcement and tactical support units, including:
- Tactical Law Enforcement Team South (TACLET SOUTH)
- Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON)
- Contractors operating V-BAT Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
This coordinated approach combined airborne surveillance, advanced maritime tracking, and rapid interdiction tactics to identify and stop smuggling vessels at sea.
Notably, the deployment marked a historic milestone for HITRON, which recorded its 1,000th successful drug interdiction during the mission—an achievement symbolizing over two decades of Coast Guard aerial counter-drug success.
“This deployment showcased the power of partnerships in combating transnational crime,” said Capt. Brian Whisler, commanding officer of the Cutter Midgett. “From HITRON and TACLET SOUTH to the entire JIATF-S team, the Midgett crew worked seamlessly with our partners to achieve significant results. I am deeply impressed by the dedication and skill of every member of this crew, who consistently exceeded expectations during challenging circumstances.”
Vessel Overview and Strategic Role
Commissioned in 2019, the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett is one of two Legend-class National Security Cutters (NSCs) stationed in Honolulu. The cutter’s missions include counter-drug operations, homeland security patrols, search and rescue, and defense readiness in coordination with U.S. Pacific Command.
As part of the Coast Guard’s modern fleet, the Midgett is equipped with state-of-the-art command systems, helicopter flight decks, and intercept boats capable of long-range pursuit in open seas. Its return home after this deployment marks another successful demonstration of how multi-agency cooperation and maritime technology can disrupt international criminal networks.
Broader Impact: Combating Transnational Crime
The Coast Guard’s success in the Eastern Pacific highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. and partner nations to counter transnational organized crime, which fuels violence, corruption, and instability throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Officials estimate that more than 85% of cocaine smuggled into North America travels by sea, often through remote Pacific corridors far from regular patrol coverage. Operations like Pacific Viper serve as critical deterrents, limiting traffickers’ ability to move large shipments undetected.
The Midgett’s patrol also strengthened partnerships with allied agencies, including U.S. Southern Command, Customs and Border Protection, and international naval forces, reaffirming America’s commitment to regional security and maritime law enforcement.
Conclusion
The Cutter Midgett’s return to Honolulu after its $156 million cocaine seizure represents not only a tactical victory but also a testament to the Coast Guard’s vital role in safeguarding U.S. borders and disrupting global narcotics trade.
Officials say the crew will now prepare for upcoming missions across the Pacific, continuing to advance the Coast Guard’s mission of law enforcement, security, and humanitarian response across one of the world’s largest maritime regions.
What are your thoughts on this major cocaine bust and the Coast Guard’s expanding Pacific operations? Share your opinions in the comments below.
