23 October 2009

Since SHERMAN left her homeport on the 22^nd of September, she has been plying the waters of the Eastern Pacific, enforcing maritime law and ensuring safety of life at sea. Her crew is salty. Their skins are tanned an equatorial shade of brown and mustaches grown jungle thick. Under the command of new CO, CAPT Haycock, SHERMAN has found success in the first month of the patrol.

Just after departing San Diego, SHERMAN steamed south to intercept a suspect vessel. Though it did not have contraband on board, the intelligence gained from the boarding resulted in other busts in the Eastern Pacific. After skipping the first port call due to operational needs, the crew was rewarded with a stop in a spring break hotspot Acapulco, Mexico. Even though it was not Spring Break, SHERMAN’s crew had a relaxing time, embarked a few crew members, and geared up for the next stint at sea. The next day SHERMAN took on a group of detainees, seized cocaine, and took a small boat in tow from the U.S. Navy. Less than a week later they were transferred to another ship and SHERMAN returned to normal operations. The crew has been enjoying “steel beach” on Sundays, workouts on the flight deck at sunset, and watching marine life. Whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sting rays, and sportfish provide daily entertainment. An extended family of swallows has even taken roost on the bridge wing.

As the 720 chases an endless summer between the hemispheres, we would like to extend our congratulations to the newborn members of the SHERMAN family as well as the newlyweds. All our best to our families at home, our heads and hearts remain with you always. Please check back soon for another update on the whereabouts and activities of cutter SHERMAN.