Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert departed Puerto Vallarta Nov. 14, 2015, following a two-day visit, during which crew members participated in community service activities that maintain close and cooperative relationships with international partners.

"Through community service events such as these ones, the members of our military are working to create stronger bonds between our societies and make us all safer and more secure," said Consul General Tanya C. Anderson, as she expressed her appreciation for the sailors’ efforts. "Ship visits like these provide excellent opportunities for the United States and Mexico to strengthen our security cooperation, helping to ensure a safer & more prosperous future for our two countries."

In conjunction with the Navy League of Puerto Vallarta, 22 crew members from the cutter visited a recreation center, a community center and a preschool. The crew members cleaned and painted these buildings, enabling them to continue to be spaces where the citizens of Puerto Vallarta can come together.

The cutter, home ported in Port Angeles, Washington, is 210 feet long and has approximately 72 crew members. Medium endurance cutters like Active are built for multi-week offshore patrols including operations requiring enhanced communications and helicopter and pursuit boat operations, which provide a key capability for homeland security missions at sea.

Many thanks go out to the Alert for a memorable visit to what's known in the Navy and Coast Guard as the friendliest port city in all of Mexico.

About the Navy League

The Puerto Vallarta Navy League is dedicated to welcoming Navy and Coast Guard ships from all nations, conducting COMRELS to paint and repair schools and other non-profit and public facilities, transporting donated medical supplies from the US and Canada aboard visiting ships, and running the local Toys for Tots program. No prior military experience is required to join this outstanding civic and charitable organization, only an interest in helping the less advantaged citizens of our region. For more information, visit VallartaNavyLeague.org.