U.S. Coast Guard Cutter JAMES - WMSL 754

08/20/2026

08/01/2026

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter JAMES (WMSL 754) recently conducted a live-fire gunnery exercise with both major and minor caliber weapons systems. These defense readiness exercises keep our crews well-trained and prepared for any situation upon the high seas. Bravo Zulu to the Gunnery Division on training up the next generation of crew-served machine gun crews!

Photo Credits: ENS Tomisek, FN Moberly

07/24/2026

- Please join us in welcoming JAMES’ new Commanding Officer, CAPT Charles “Chuck” Banks!

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter JAMES (WMSL 754) held a change of command ceremony during a mid-patrol break in Key West, Florida on July 9. CAPT Charles Banks relieved CAPT Thomas Rodzewicz as the 8th Commanding Officer of the JAMES in the ceremony, with U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander, VADM Jo-Ann Burdian, serving as the presiding official.

CAPT Banks reported to JAMES from his most recent assignment as Chief of Response for Coast Guard District Southeast, headquartered in Miami. He previously served as Commanding Officer of Coast Guard cutters Northland, Drummond, and Pea Island.

CAPT Rodzewicz served as JAMES’ Commanding Officer from July 2024 to July 2026. Under his leadership, JAMES’ crew seized over 41,348 kilograms of co***ne and 4,440 pounds of ma*****na, totaling a value of $900 million dollars, and completed advance naval warfare exercises with Carrier Strike Group Twelve. His next assignment will be as Chief of Response at Coast Guard District East, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Check out the recorded live-stream video of the ceremony available on our page, or follow this hyperlink to read more: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4542631/coast-guard-cutter-james-holds-change-of-command-ceremony/

07/17/2026

Teamwork and readiness in action! 🚨💪 The crew of USCGC James recently conducted Damage Control (DC) Olympics while deployed in the Caribbean Sea. Six teams of 15 crew members each competed in six rotating events, challenging them with scenarios that required them to demonstrate DC knowledge and familiarity with onboard equipment while building camaraderie through a little friendly rivalry. Training underway guarantees our team is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation encountered at sea, safeguarding lives onboard and ensuring operational success abroad. 🏆 Congratulations to Team 1 on your victory and to everyone who participated!

03/06/2026

🚒🧑‍🚒 Last week, the crew of CGC JAMES (WMSL 754) conducted a machinery space fire drill with first responders from the local North Charleston Fire Department. The drill provided valuable training for both JAMES and CGC HAMILTON (WMSL 753) crewmembers to practice shipboard casualty response procedures and allowed the firefighters to familiarize themselves with the National Security Cutter platform. These training opportunities enhance our relationships with the local community and improve our readiness to respond to emergencies in homeport. Many thanks to the North Charleston Fire Department for their continued support of JAMES and the Coast Guard here in Charleston!

USCGC Hamilton - WMSL 753, North Charleston Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command

📸✍️Caption and photos courtesy of the NCFD and CGC JAMES PAO

12/23/2025

Welcome home, USCGC JAMES 💙
After months at sea, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter JAMES - WMSL 754 returned to Charleston, South Carolina, where they were welcomed by the hugs, smiles, and support of their Coast Guard community, including friends, loved ones, and shipmates. Nothing beats coming home.

“As Coast Guard Cutter James returns home from a successful patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the crew who made it all possible. Your dedication, professionalism, and teamwork ensured mission success and made a meaningful impact in protecting our nation’s maritime borders. I am proud to serve alongside each of you.”
— Capt. Thomas Rodzewicz, commanding officer, USCGC James
Photos courtesy of Amy Lopez 🇺🇸

12/15/2025

Full press release can be found here: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4356141/coast-guard-cutter-james-conducts-counter-drug-patrol-in-eastern-pacific-ocean/

12/10/2025

11/22/2025

Precision and power at sea! 💥⚓ The crew of USCGC James conducted a live-fire gunnery exercise in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Pacific Viper, successfully sinking hazards to navigation. These exercises ensure safety of navigation on the high seas. Bravo Zulu to the Gunnery Division on training up the next generation of .50 cal gun crews!