Week 7

Reminiscent of the Coast Guard's heritage of intercepting rum runners a more sophisticated enemy is attempting to smuggle a much more dangerous cargo into the United States. The tactical boarding teams onboard the CGC Mohawk stand ready to intercept the go-fasts attempting to bring illegal drugs into the country.

The Mohawk and her crew broke from the Navy to help curb the flow of drugs through the Pacific.

The always ready crew was constantly in law enforcement mode with their small boat to the rail, their vests strapped on, and their pistols holstered. They waited with high anticipation at news that would bring them a bust.

The crew stopped many a fishing vessel to check for any suspicious activities. After questioning the vessels and concluding that they were legitimate, the Mohawk would depart leaving the crew of the fishing vessel secure in the knowledge that there are people out on the waters looking out for their interests.

The crew did not get to add a snowflake or pot leaf sticker to the cutter's appearance this time. However, the presence of the big white ship with her eager crew on deck is enough to make drug runners reconsider their career choices. While they did not get to enjoy the euphoric sensation of personally stopping the drugs, their efforts have made a difference in the war on drugs.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Benjamin H. Goodner (left) and Petty Officer First Class Jaime M. Aaron (right) play cards to pass the time on the CGC Mohawk while underway in the South Pacific near the Galapagos Islands on August 10, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Aaron C. Harris prepares to board the CGC Mohawk's over-the-horizon small boat in the South Pacific near the Galapagos Islands on August 11, 2006.

The CGC Mohawk's over-the-horizon law enforcement team prepares to get picked up by the cutter in the South Pacific near the Galapagos Islands on August 12, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Beau C. Briley (right) and Petty Officer Third Class Carson L. Corbin (left) wait to find out if the fishing vessel behind them will be boarded in the South Pacific near the Galapagos Islands on August 12, 2006.

Coast Guard Ensign Michael P. Cortese takes a bearing off the sun using a sextant near Manta, Ecuador on August 13, 2006

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Dawn J. McCoy reports damage to the repair locker during a drill on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Dawn J. McCoy inspects damage to the galley during a drill on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Justin E. McLaury is treated by Petty Officer Second Class Dave J. Galvizo during a drill on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Kevin E. Ham shines brass on the bridge of the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class John Smithers practices his jab as Petty Officer Second Class Joe M. Simpson holds the bag during law enforcement training on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 15, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Robert C. Smith gives a kick to the thigh of Petty Officer Second Class Joe M. Simpson during law enforcement training on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 15, 2006.

Coast Guard Ensign Andrew Vicks plots damage and the fire teams progress during a drill on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 15, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Bart K. McAllister installs a phone on the CGC Mohawk near the Galapagos Islands on August 10, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class John Smithers prepares to strike a punching bag during law enforcement training on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 15, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Beau C. Briley stands by with a shotgun to find out if the fishing vessel behind him is legitimate near the Galapagos Islands on August 12, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Brian L. Wheatley shows how to force an enemy back during law enforcement training

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Justin E. McLaury (left) points out the source of a fire during a drill in the galley of the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.

Coast Guard Fireman Ryan J. Bourbon makes a new latch for the engineer's head (bathroom) on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Stacey W. Tate demonstrates his kick for Ensign William W. Belcher during law enforcement training on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 15, 2006.

Coast Guard Fireman Lance L. Seibert looks for the source of smoke during a drill on the CGC Mohawk in the South Pacific near Manta, Ecuador on August 14, 2006.