Coast Guard crew returns to Mayport after hurricane response

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Valiant returned home to Naval Station Mayport Friday after completing a multi-mission patrol which ended up including responding to Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The crew was deployed for two months conducting counter-drug and illegal migration operations, which then turned into disaster relief operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The hurricane relief operations included search-and-rescue as well as evacuation of residents.

"In times like these, we get to see humanity at it its best,” said Cmdr. Tim Cronin, Valiant’s commanding officer. “Over these last few weeks, Coast Guard crews, first responders, and volunteers came together to help people in most dire need. The people of Puerto Rico and Virgin Island are resilient. I am confident they will recover and we are proud to have been part of the rebuilding effort."

Crewmembers also conducted community service during their earlier scheduled port calls, which included volunteering and bringing supplies for a local orphanage in Puerto Rico.

“Normally when we visit ports, we volunteer our labor to help a local community with a specific work project,” said Seaman Estan Rodney, a native of nearby St. Vincent. “This was special because I believe we made an immediate and positive impact on the kids just by talking to them and sharing our own life experiences.”

Cox Media Group