Media Advisory: Cutter Mellon to return to homeport after 5-month international deplo

[The Patriot]

U.S. Coast Guardsmen from the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon (WHEC 717), Sailors from USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and Indonesian sailors conduct combined operations aboard rigid-hulled inflatable boats in the Java Sea May 30, 2010. The service members are participating in Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) Indonesia 2010. In its 16th year, NEA is part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Department of Defense photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David A. Brandenburg, U.S. Navy.SINGAPORE - Singaporean sailors, immigration and checkpoint authority personnel, and members of a U.S. Coast Guard Force Protection Training Team debrief a boarding exercise on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mellon during Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2010 June 24, 2010, in Singapore. SEACAT is a weeklong at-sea exercise designed to highlight the value of information-sharing and multinational coordination within a scenario that gives participating navies practical maritime interception training opportunities. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David A. Brandenburg.SEATTLE – The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon is scheduled to return to homeport here, Monday, concluding a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of the international Cooperation Afloat for Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises.

Since departing March 31, 2010 Mellon has been an active partner throughout the success of the exercises. Under the command of Navy Destroyer Squadron 31, Mellon engaged in five training phases focused on strengthening relations and interoperability with the maritime services of Southeast Asia. The bilateral exercises, consisted of training scenarios both on land and at sea, which took place in Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Throughout the CARAT deployment, Mellon partnered with maritime law enforcement counterparts in law enforcement procedures and simulated boardings, small-boat operations, air-defenses exercises and tactical ship maneuvering.

The crew of the Mellon also participated in community service projects to improve local conditions and establish a personal connection with residents. Combined service projects included mentoring children, rebuilding schools, and planting trees.

Mellon is commanded by Capt. David S. Klipp and has a crew of 170 officers and enlisted personnel. A 378-foot, high-endurance cutter, Mellon typically performs lengthy patrols enforcing fishery laws in Alaskan waters and counter-narcotics operations off the coast of Central America.

Media are invited to attend the cutter’s homecoming and to interview the crew and their families at Pier 36, Coast Guard Base Support Unit, 1519 Alaskan Way South. The cutter is scheduled to arrive at 11:00 am, Monday.

Media interested in attending should contact Coast Guard District 13 Public Affairs at (206) 220-7237.






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