An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew begins fast-roping members aboard a cargo ship on the Columbia River. Fast-roping allows rapid insertion of law enforcement personnel on potentially hostile vessels. A 47-foot motor life boat crew provides support, watching areas of the ship out of the helicopter’s view. The boarding team will inspect the vessel and its documentation before allowing it to dock. The Coast Guard is the only military service with domestic law enforcement capability. US Coast Guard Art Program 2008 Collection, Ob ID # 200825, "Guardians of the Columbia," Ron Weil, acrylic, 24 x 36
