Photos: On patrol with the Coast Guard cutter Blackfin

Coast Guard officers ride the response boat during their training exercise along the Central Coast.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin gathers on the bridge to discuss logistics before a patrol mission.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Thomas Mattison performs a technical training exercise in the engine room of the Coast Guard cutter Blackfin.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Seaman Estes Rodriguez, left, and Petty Officer Rob Dejager use binoculars to view a exercise.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Blackfin assemble on the bridge.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Crew members pull a line in a towing exercise.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Chief Petty Officer Jim McDermott, left, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Parker Dawson swim backward during a training exercise.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The Blackfin crew ride on response boat during a training exercise.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The Blackfin crew stand on the bow of the ship, on watch to avoid collisions with harbor traffic or lobster traps.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)