CG Cutter Vigorous Back Home for Valentine’s Day

CAPE MAY — A gathering of about 50 family members anxiously awaited on the pier Sat., Feb 12 as the C.G. Cutter Vigorous battled an unrelenting northwest wind as it attempted to moor at its homeport.
The crew of Vigorous was anxious to get its lines over and secured so they could embrace their spouses, children and sweethearts. Mother Nature, however, seemed to be playing with their emotions as the first line was thrown, but tangled in a lightstand. The cutter had to pull away and try again.
Aided by a Northstar pusher boat, and with lots of fast work and muscle by the deck crew on the bow, the lines were secured.
Meanwhile, children could be heard saying, “I see daddy! There he is up there!” Mothers and fiancées watched stoically as the lines were tightened, and the gangway carried to the stern.
Then, it seemed an unspoken word instructed them, “It’s okay to go aboard.” And they did, pushing baby carriages and carrying roses. There were smiles and tears of joy, their beloved crewmembers were safe at home after a 37-day patrol of the Caribbean Sea that covered more than 7,500 nautical miles.
The roughest part of the return was from around Virginia Beach, Va., where seas seemed to churn, and many aboard felt the uneasy queasy feelings rough seas can bring, a feeling known to mariners through the ages.
According to a release, the crew of Vigorous deployed to the Windward Pass and North Coast of Haiti in January to provide a presence and act as a deterrent for illegal migrants while also providing maritime security to the region.
Vigorous was also designated as the commanding unit for operations in the area and was in charge of the strategic placement of several different Coast Guard ships and aircraft
During deployment, the crew completed tactical maneuvers and exercises with the Coast Guard MH-65 Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron based out of Jacksonville, Fla. HITRON are armed helicopters that deploy to high threat drug trafficking and high risk security areas. 
“The Coast Guard’s mission success depends on multiple ships and aircraft working together to accomplish the same goals,” sstated LTJG Matt Lane, a crewmember on Vigorous. “Our missions cannot be completed unless there is good coordination and communication amongst each unit. These exercises are paramount to the law enforcement and successful interdiction of illegal smuggling at sea.”
Since the earthquake that occurred in January 2010, the Coast Guard has provided continuing support and assistance to the Haitian government to prevent the loss of life at sea and provide support to the ongoing relief efforts. This year, the Coast Guard has interdicted more than 240 Haitian migrants at sea. The crew of the Vigorous continues to support this mission by providing humanitarian support and security for Haiti.