Coast Guard Cutter Pelican

U.S. Coast Guard photographs by Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert M. Reed

VENICE, La. - Chief Petty Officer Todd R. Hampton and Seaman Harley K. Brubaker of the Coast Guard Cutter Pelican get directions from the chief engineer aboard the cargo vessel Courchezille during an inspection boarding here on March 23, 2006.

High interest vessels are screened by the Coast Guard before they are allowed them to enter port in the United States.

VENICE, La. - Fireman Shawn V. Lohr stands bow watch as the Coast Guard Cutter Pelican pulls away from the dock here March 23, 2006.

VENICE, La. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathon L. Barton pulls up alongside the cargo vessel Courchezille to retrieve the Pelican's boarding team members after a thorough search of the ship here March 23, 2006. The rigid hulled inflatable boat is carried in a docking cradle at the stern of the Pelican so that it can be launched on a moments notice during emergencies.

VENICE, La. - Boarding team members from the Coast Guard Cutter Pelican prepare to return to their ship after performing an inspection of a high interest vessel here March 23, 2006. Vessels are routinely inspected by the Coast Guard as part of their homeland security mission.

VENICE, La. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Bordelon of the Coast Guard Cutter Pelican inspects the documents of the crew of the cargo vessel Courchezille here March 23, 2006. All personnel must have the proper documentation to enter any port in the United States.

VENICE, La. - The Coast Guard Cutter Pelican is silhouetted by the light of the sun as it returns to its dock at Coast Guard Station Venice here March 23, 2006.

VENICE, La - Seaman Harley K. Brubaker works out with other crew members on board the Coast Guard Cutter Pelican here March 24. The crew of the Pelican routinely work out together to keep in top physical shape.

VENICE, La. - Fireman Shawn V. Lohr pulls a line on board as the Coast Guard Cutter Pelican prepares to embark from the dock here March 23, 2006.