10/15/2026
“The Coast Guard continues to stand the watch with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol and Joint Task Force-Southern Border. Together, we are controlling, securing, and defending our borders and maritime approaches to protect America’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” – Vice Adm. Jo-Ann F. Burdian, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
Vice Adm. Burdian and Command Master Chief Mike Farrell visited Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande earlier this month, coinciding with this one-year anniversary of the stand-up of the unit. Working closely with our teammates at U.S. Border Patrol and JTF-SB, the Coast Guard is enforcing a layered, integrated approach to security on the southern border, supporting 1,274 apprehensions in the past year. This joint approach creates a unified effort to protect America’s territorial integrity and disrupt illegal activities.
During the visit, Atlantic Area leadership conducted meetings with U.S. Border Patrol and JTF-SB leadership, including Army Maj. Gen. Curtis D. Taylor, Command Sgt. Maj. Carvet Tate, and Chief Patrol Agent Jeffery Stalnaker, to continue our unified front.
Vice Adm. Burdian and Command Master Chief Farrell also spent time talking with the dedicated crews, recognizing their relentless hard work and the personal sacrifices they make serving this mission while deployed away from their families.
Thank you to our crews and joint partners for your continued dedication. US Border Patrol U.S. Northern Command