The USS Monsoon (PC-4) was the fourth vessel in the Cyclone-class of patrol ships, built for the United States Navy. Constructed by Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana, she was laid down on 15 February 1992 and launched later that year on 10 October 1992. The ship was officially commissioned into service on 22 January 1994, serving as a fast, agile patrol vessel designed for near-shore and littoral operations. The Monsoon's service history includes a notable period after her decommissioning from the Navy on 1 October 2004, when she was loaned to the United States Coast Guard and designated as USCGC Monsoon (WPC-4). During her time with the Coast Guard, she played a significant role in maritime law enforcement and counter-narcotics operations. A key event occurred in 2006 when Monsoon, alongside USCGC Boutwell, participated in the apprehension of Mexican drug kingpin Francisco Javier Arellano Félix. The operation took place while Félix was deep-sea fishing off the Baja Peninsula; Monsoon's crew successfully took him into custody, and the U.S.-registered fishing vessel Dock Holiday was towed back to San Diego from international waters by a Coast Guard patrol boat. The vessel was returned to the U.S. Navy on 22 August 2008, resuming her role until she was decommissioned again on 28 March 2023. Throughout her operational lifespan, USS Monsoon demonstrated versatility and played a vital role in maritime security and law enforcement efforts, particularly in drug interdiction. Her service highlights the adaptability of Cyclone-class patrol ships in both military and Coast Guard roles, emphasizing her maritime significance in securing U.S. interests along coastlines and in international waters.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.