USCGC VIGILANT WMEC 617

• Commissioning Date: USCGC Vigilant (WMEC-617) was commissioned on December 3, 1964, and is part of the Reliance-class of medium endurance cutters. • Name Legacy: Vigilant is the tenth Coast Guard vessel to bear the name "Vigilant," reflecting a long-standing tradition of vigilance in Coast Guard service dating back to the original Revenue Cutter Service. • Homeport: The cutter is homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, a strategic location for missions in the Caribbean and Atlantic. • Drug Interdiction: Vigilant has played a major role in counter-narcotics operations, seizing thousands of pounds of illegal drugs, including several high-profile cocaine and marijuana busts in the Caribbean and Atlantic. • Humanitarian Missions: The cutter has participated in numerous migrant interdiction operations, rescuing and providing humanitarian aid to hundreds of migrants at sea, particularly from Cuba and Haiti. • Maritime Law Enforcement: Vigilant enforces U.S. and international laws at sea, including fisheries regulations, environmental protection, and search and rescue, often working alongside other U.S. agencies and international partners. • Notable Rescue: In 1999, Vigilant rescued 86 Haitian migrants from an overloaded vessel in rough seas, earning commendations for the crew’s bravery and seamanship. • Upgrades: The cutter has undergone several major renovations and upgrades, including the Mission Effectiveness Project (MEP) in the 2000s, which extended her operational life and improved capabilities. • Integrated Crew: Vigilant’s crew includes both men and women, reflecting the Coast Guard’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. • Community Involvement: The cutter and its crew are active in local community events in Port Canaveral and throughout Florida, often hosting tours and participating in educational outreach to promote Coast Guard missions.