Coast Guard Cutter Kimball Returns After 120-Day Mission
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) has returned to Honolulu after an extensive 120-day deployment covering 16,500 nautical miles in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. This mission focused on enhancing maritime safety, security, and national sovereignty in an increasingly accessible Arctic region. The crew’s efforts included law enforcement operations, emergency response, and joint exercises, underscoring the vital role of the U.S. Coast Guard in the area.
Key Operations and Achievements
During its deployment, the Kimball’s crew executed a range of law enforcement activities, including 13 inspections of fishing vessels in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These inspections resulted in three citations for violations, including two cases of illegally retained catches. The crew’s commitment to maintaining maritime law was evident as they worked diligently to ensure compliance among fishing operations in the region.
In addition to law enforcement, the crew engaged in critical training exercises with MH-60 helicopters from Air Station Kodiak, enhancing coordination between cutter and air crews. The Kimball also tested the new Vertical Takeoff and Landing Battery (V-BAT) unmanned aerial system, which significantly improved the cutter’s surveillance capabilities during its patrols in the Bering Sea. This innovative technology is expected to bolster future operations and enhance situational awareness in the region.
Following Typhoon Halong, the Kimball played a crucial role in disaster response by serving as a ready fueling platform for air assets and assisting a disabled bulk carrier near the Aleutian Islands. The crew’s quick response and coordination showcased their readiness to support maritime safety in challenging conditions. Furthermore, the cutter participated in two joint operations under Operation TUNDRA MERLIN, collaborating with U.S. Air Force aircraft to conduct simulated maritime strikes, highlighting the integration of various defense assets in homeland security efforts.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Throughout the deployment, the crew of the Kimball also made efforts to engage with the local community in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. They participated in a beach clean-up initiative and hosted a holiday-themed tour of the cutter for nearly 250 residents, fostering goodwill and community relations. Their commitment to service extended beyond operational duties, reflecting the Coast Guard’s dedication to the communities they serve.
As the crew crossed the Arctic Circle during their mission, they earned the designation of “Blue Nose Polar Bears,” a testament to their resilience and adaptability in one of the world’s most challenging maritime environments. Capt. Craig Allen, the commanding officer of the Kimball, expressed immense pride in his crew’s performance, noting their skill, teamwork, and professionalism made a significant impact on the safety and security of the Alaskan community.
Commissioned in 2019, the Kimball is one of two 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters based in Honolulu, primarily focused on counter-drug operations and defense readiness. Named after Sumner Increase Kimball, the cutter honors the legacy of the organizer of the United States Life-Saving Service, who served from 1878 to 1915.
