Wilmington-based Cutter Returns Following 2-month Patrol

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard Cutter Diligence and crew are scheduled to return to their homeport Monday morning following a 59-day patrol in the northern Atlantic Ocean.

During the two-month patrol, the Diligence's crew  conducted 48 boardings, nearly 200 helicopter evolutions and assisted a vessel taking on water.

“It’s great to be home after a successful patrol where we completed a wide range of Coast Guard missions,” said Cmdr. Douglas Goodwin, the commanding officer of the Diligence.  “The crew did a great job throughout.  It requires dedication and determination to serve at sea, especially when winter storms bring 10 foot seas and 40 knot winds.”

Law enforcement teams from the Diligence ensured catch aboard fishing vessels was of legal size and in compliance with federal regulations.  Additionally, officers conducted comprehensive safety inspections of each boarded vessel.

The Diligence is a 210-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Wilmington with a crew of approximately 75.  The Diligence was assigned to a Coast Guard 5th District operation designed to preserve living marine resources, enforce commercial fishing vessel safety regulations and provide offshore search and rescue response.