BOSTON — Coast Guard Cutter Campbell is scheduled to return to its homeport of Kittery, Maine on Thursday at 2 p.m. after a 50-day patrol of the North Atlantic.
The cutter accomplished a great deal during the high tempo patrol including search and rescue, enforcement of federal fishing regulations, completing an international exercise with the Canadian Navy, and a burial at sea.
During the patrol, which spanned an off-shore area from Maine to New York, the Campbell was involved in multiple rescues, including towing two disabled fishing vessels over 150 nautical miles offshore.
On September 21st Campbell responded to a report of a sea turtle entangled in fishing gear. Campbell launched their small boat and the rescue team was able to free the 6-foot long Leatherback sea turtle from the fishing line.
During the patrol, Campbell traveled to Canadian waters to participate in a joint training exercise with the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, improving inter-operability with this essential maritime partner.
On Oct. 26th, Campbell honored a former shipmate by conducting a burial at sea ceremony for a retired Coast Guard Chief Quartermaster.
Additionally, as part of Campbell's primary mission they conducted 52 living marine resource boardings resulting in the issuing of 17 violations.
“It was one of the more diverse patrols I have experienced,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Travis. “ We carried out a wide array of Coast Guard missions that other cutters never get to see in multiple patrols.”
The Campbell is the sixth cutter to bear the name Campbell and is the ninth of the Coast Guard Famous Cutter Class.
Members of the media who would like to attend the Campbell's homecoming are requested to contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515.