First Coast Guard Cutter in Haiti returns to Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Coast Guard line handlers on the pier assist crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward with mooring up to the north pier at Base Support Unit Portsmouth when they arrive after a 52-day patrol, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010.

During the patrol, the crew participated in a cooperative drug bust with Bahamian authorities, and they served as the first Coast Guard responders to the earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12.

U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Coast Guard Rear Adm. James A. Watson, director of operations for the Atlantic Area, speaks to crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward after they returned to their homeport at Base Support Unit Portsmouth Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010.

Watson was responsible for the decision to send the Forward's crew to Haiti as the first Coast Guard responders after the earthquake Jan. 12.

During the relief efforts, the crew not only shuttled relief supplies to devastated Port-au-Prince, but also served as air traffic controller for military aircraft and as a platform for an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Detroit, Mich.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Coast Guard Cutter Forward crewmembers' family and friends wait at Base Support Unit Portsmouth as the cutter arrives and moors up to the pier Thursday, Feb. 18, 2008.

The Forward's crew, who were on patrol in the Carribean at the time, were the first Coast Guard responders to the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 12.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones.