Multimedia Release: Coast Guard Cutter Mellon returns to homeport after 5-month international deployment

SEATTLE – Coast Guard Cutter Mellon arrives to its homeport here, Aug. 23, 2010. The crew concluded a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of the international Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric J. Chandler and Petty Officer 3rd Class Colin White.

SEATTLE – Family members of the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon await the cutter’s arrival back to homeport here, Aug. 23, 2010. The crew concluded a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of the international Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Colin White.

SEATTLE – Cmdr. Jadon Klopson, executive officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon, receives a warm welcome home from family here, Aug. 23, 2010. The crew concluded a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of the international Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Colin White.

SEATTLE – Ens. Taylor Gruver greets her mother following the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon’s arrival back to homeport here, Aug. 23, 2010. The crew concluded a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of the international Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Colin White.

SEATTLE – The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon returned to homeport here, Monday, concluding a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of the international Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises.

Since departing March 31, 2010 Mellon has been an active partner throughout the success of the exercises. Under the command of Navy Destroyer Squadron 31, Mellon engaged in five training phases focused on strengthening relations and interoperability with the maritime services of Southeast Asia. The multi-national exercises consisted of training scenarios both on land and at sea, which took place in Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Throughout the CARAT deployment Mellon partnered with maritime law enforcement counterparts in law enforcement procedures and simulated boardings, small-boat operations, air-defenses exercises and tactical ship maneuvering.

The crew of the Mellon also participated in community service projects to improve local conditions and establish a personal connection with residents. Combined service projects included mentoring children, rebuilding schools, and planting trees.

Mellon is commanded by Capt. David S. Klipp and has a crew of 170 officers and enlisted personnel. A 378-foot, high-endurance cutter, Mellon typically performs lengthy patrols enforcing fishery laws in Alaskan waters and counter-narcotics operations off the coast of Central America.

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