Mellon took part in the Tailored Ships Training Availability a biennial event consisting of navigation, shipboard firefighting, flooding, engineering, deck seamanship and weapons systems training. TSTA certifies that Mellon's crew can respond to all emergencies at sea either independently or in cooperation with other vessels. Although the 38-year-old Mellon experienced mechanical problems during the training, the dedication of the crew earned them the Coast Guard's Battle "E" ribbon. The Battle "E" ribbon is awarded for proficiency in completion of the rigorous training exercises during TSTA.
The 378-foot high endurance cutter's primary missions are counter-drug patrols off the coast of South America, fisheries enforcement in the Bering Sea, patrols in support of National Security Policy, and search and rescue. Media interested in covering the cutter's arrival are requested to contact D13 Public Affairs at (206) 220-7237 to make arrangements. | 
printer friendly