Coast Guard Cutter Stone returns to North Charleston following multi-country mission
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Coast Guard Cutter Stone and its crew returned to its home base in North Charleston Wednesday after leading U.S. Navy and Royal Canadian Navy assets on a mission for homeland defense.
Over a span of 63 days, the Coast Guard Cutter Stone sailed through the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, performing counterdrug operations with the Tri-Party partnership.
“This deployment offered a unique opportunity to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of the national security cutter and how seamlessly and rapidly the Coast Guard can integrate with joint and allied forces to counter maritime threats,” said Capt. Jonathan Carter, commanding officer of Stone. “The Stone’s crew performed admirably throughout the demanding mission.”
Members of the Tri-Party include the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, the U.S. Second Fleet, and Canadian Joint Task Force-Atlantic maritime forces. It was formed in 2015 and aims to preserve mutual interest and uphold international order supporting maritime governance.
The primary missions Stone participates in are counterdrug operations and defense readiness, according to military officials.
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Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Quinton Paes, a machinery technician assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758), poses for a photo aboard the cutter with his family, July 24, 2024, while moored in North Charleston, South Carolina. The crew of Stone returned home after a 63-day patrol in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Alana Kickhoefer). -
Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758) makes way, June 29, 2024, in the Atlantic Ocean. Stone is operating in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Settle) -
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Quinton Paes, a machinery technician assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758), poses for a photo in the engine room while Stone is underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Stone operated in the Atlantic Ocean and U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Alana Kickhoefer) -
Coast Guard Cutter Stone steams in the Atlantic Ocean at sunset, July 1, 2024. Stone is operating in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Academy Cadet Jack Steel) -
Tie-down members assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758) move toward the hanger during flight operations, June 29, 2024, while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Stone is operating in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Settle)
