Coast Guard Enforces Maritime Law Near Channel Islands

(A deployed Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Forward Operating Base Mugu sits aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Munro during Operation Island Sentinel near Channel Islands, California, Nov. 18, 201)

Source: US Coast Guard

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL-755) patrolled near Channel Islands in an interagency operation designed to enforce maritime laws that protect living marine resources and improve safety at sea.

From Nov. 14 to 18, Coast Guardsmen from the Munro, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, Coast Guard Air Stations Sacramento and San Francisco, and Coast Guard Station Channel Islands worked alongside personnel from the National Parks Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Operation Island Sentinel to enhance safety and stewardship of natural resources in less frequently patrolled areas of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

“This was a textbook example of the Coast Guard’s ability to mesh with partner agencies and coordinate an effective operation involving many types of units and agencies to protect natural resources, improve safety at sea and hone our already strong working relationships with fellow public service agencies,” said Capt. Thomas H. King, commanding officer of the Munro. “Operation Island Sentinel illustrates the value of thorough planning and reflects the dedication and tenacity of everyone involved.  I’m proud of my crew and salute the fine work of every unit and agency that took part.” 

A primary challenge in the area off of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is the unique area of operations which spans over 4,500 square nautical miles and includes multiple federal, state and local jurisdictions. The Coast Guard employed the extended range and significant capabilities of the Munro, one of the service’s newest and largest ships, the local knowledge of the crew at Station Channel Islands and the expertise of partner agencies to increase the enforcement presence for fisheries and safety laws on the water.

During the operation, the Munro conducted a total of seven vessel boardings, issued two violations and two written warnings.

Munro is named after Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, a Medal of Honor Recipient, who was mortally wounded during WWII in Guadalcanal while evacuating 500 Marines who were under attack. The Munro is the sixth National Security Cutter commissioned April 2017 and is homeported in Alameda.

Coast Guardsmen and representatives from the National Park Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collaborate aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Munro during Operation Island Sentinel off the coast of California, Nov. 18, 2017.