News Release

Click on a photo above to view more detailed caption information and download the photo. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - A small boat crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Legare and a Haitian coast guard patrol boat crew conduct a joint maritime security patrol of Port-Au-Prince Jan. 26, 2010. Ensign Brian Field and Fireman Tim Fox were embarked on the Haitian coast guard patrol boat to support their efforts. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Brian Dykens

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Legare are scheduled to return to their homeport of Portsmouth Saturday afternoon, following a 51-day deployment in support of Haitian relief operations.

They operated in Port-au-Prince harbor in support of Operation Unified Response. The Legare's crew coordinated helicopter medical evacuations, provided logistics and vital helicopter refueling for dozens of aircraft performing medevacs.  They also deployed teams ashore to Killick Haitian Coast Guard Base to coordinate medevac landing zones, make repairs, and unload humanitarian aid. Legare boat crews and security teams conducted joint waterside security patrols with the Haitian Coast Guard. Legare’s efforts saved many lives, secured the commercial port, and helped the Haitian Coast Guard resume pre-earthquake operations.

The crew then spent five weeks patrolling off the coast of Haiti in support of Operation Southeast Watch-Haiti. Their mission was to deter unsafe illegal migration by sea. The Legare and crew also employed a MH-65C Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, to conduct flights along the Haitian coastline.

The Legare's crew is made up of 14 officers and 85 enlisted personnel. It is one of six 270-foot cutters stationed in Portsmouth, and is regularly deployed on search-and-rescue missions, law enforcement activities, and homeland defense patrols.