U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk Returns to Florida Homeport After Boarding Sanctioned Oil Tankers

Mohawk Crew Enforces International Sanctions at Sea during 60-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America

KEY WEST, FLORIDA — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk returned to their homeport in Key West on Saturday following a 60-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, where the cutter played a key role in boarding and escorting two sanctioned oil tankers to prevent illicit crude oil trafficking.

Operating in support of Operation Southern Spear, Mohawk’s crew partnered with Department of War and Department of Homeland Security assets, along with additional Coast Guard units, to interdict and escort the sanctioned vessels in violation of international sanctions.

“Our dedicated crews are the frontline of maritime security,” said Cmdr. Taylor Kellogg, commanding officer of Mohawk.

“Their vigilance and expertise were instrumental in the successful interdiction and escort of these tankers, preventing illicit oil from destabilizing the Western Hemisphere. This is a clear demonstration of the Coast Guard’s commitment to enforcing international law and our vital role in the Joint Force. I’m proud of their selfless service and devotion to duty.”

According to the Coast Guard, the first interdiction occurred Dec. 20, when a Coast Guard tactical law enforcement team, supported by Department of War assets, intercepted and boarded the Panamanian-flagged motor tanker Centuries.

Mohawk subsequently escorted the vessel from the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of America, where it was moored for further disposition in coordination with Centuries’ flag state.

A second operation took place on Jan. 15, when a Coast Guard tactical team, with Department of War support, intercepted and seized the Venezuelan-linked Aframax motor tanker Veronica.

Mohawk’s crew rapidly transited back to the Caribbean Sea to provide escort duties. After a boarding by a joint warfare team, the cutter escorted Veronica to a secure anchorage in the region.

The back-to-back escort missions spanned 17 days and covered approximately 2,700 nautical miles, underscoring the patrol’s operational tempo and reach.

The Coast Guard noted that its actions were carried out under unique statutory authorities that allow the service to enforce international and domestic law in the maritime domain.

Operating under Title 14 of the U.S. Code and in accordance with customary international law, the Coast Guard conducts missions in U.S. waters and on the high seas to protect maritime safety, security, and U.S. interests.

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