A maritime law enforcement boarding team completed final preparations on the fantail of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Washington, lowering a ridged inflatable boat into the water. Petty Officer 1st Class Ralph Pastore, Washington’s boarding officer, finalized the details with the coxswain, Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Reo and Seaman Duke Joseph of the Palauan Division of Maritime Law Enforcement.
Their target: A long-line fishing vessel making way about a half-mile off the cutter’s port bow.