On June 23 – July 4, the US Coast Guard, in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, conducted a joint operation to help synchronize a joint response to threats, while maintaining and increasing the security of borders between the two countries.
The joint operation, named Green Mountain, was held along the US-Canada shared border, in the vicinity of Lakes Champlain and Memphramagog.
According to USCG, the operation was designed with the following objectives:
- Detect, deter and prevent illicit maritime activity along our shared U.S. and Canadian Border.
- Sustain maritime domain awareness along the Northern Border.
- Continue to improve efficiency and effectiveness of interagency and international coordination along the Northern Border.
During the operation , more than 30 personnel from multiple agencies conducted 200 recreational vessel boardings that resulted in the issuance of 18 warnings and 5 safety related voyage terminations.
“This operation was a perfect illustration of partnering with our law enforcement partners and fostering those relationships,” said Lt. Junior Grade Kyle Wiford, the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Operation Green Mountain Team Lead. “Each agency brought something to the table, including resources, area knowledge, and authorities, that were critical to the success of Operation Green Mountain.”
The time period for the operation was selected based on increased maritime activity around several holidays including: Quebec’s St. Jean Baptiste Day on June 24, Canada Day on July 1, and U.S. Independence Day on July 4.
