1990s
On March 22, 1991, Chase returned after completing FRAM, and was recommissioned. After 23 years of service in Boston, Massachusetts, the Mayor of Boston proclaimed October 14, 1991, as "Chase Appreciation Day." Chase was to depart for her new homeport of San Pedro, California.
Chase arrived at her new homeport of San Pedro, California on November 15, 1991. Within a year, Chase continued to lead the Coast Guard and represent the U.S. On September 22, 1992, Chase visited Vladivostok, Russia, serving as the host for the historic reopening of the American Consulate.
In 1994, Chase led U.S. Forces into Port-au-Prince Harbor, Haiti and established the first Harbor Defense Command in foreign territorial waters. During this period, Chase participated in Operation Able Manner/Vigil in Haiti. Chase interdicted 130 Cuban asylum seekers. In 1995, Chase boarded the M/V Xin Ji Li Hou off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, and interdicted 150 Chinese migrants.
Between April to June 1997, Chase was leading the way again by being the first Coast Guard cutter to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT 97) held in Southeast Asia. Chase worked with the Royal Thai Navy and visited Singapore, Songklha and Pattaya, Thailand. Chase received the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation from Vice Admiral Card for the boarding and custody exchange of the high seas driftnet vessel CAO YU.
In 1998, Chase departed with the USS Russell (DDG-59), USS Crommelin (FFG-37), and the USS O'Brien (DD-975) for Military Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Persian Gulf. During this patrol, the Chase diverted four vessels in violation of United Nations Sanctions against Iraq, interdicted 1,527,740 gallons of fuel-oil, and conducted eighty-six gunnery exercises.
In 1999, Chase seized seven metric tons of cocaine, then the second largest cocaine bust in Coast Guard history. Also on this patrol, Chase was also the first U.S. military ship to pull into Corinto, Nicaragua, in over thirty years.
In August 1999, Chase arrived at its new homeport in San Diego, California. There, Chase earned an overall EXCELLENT during its Tailored Ship’s Training Availability, and was awarded the Distinguished Coast Guard Battle “E” Ribbon.
Read more about this topic: USCGC Chase (WHEC-718)