In 1999 the "Bear" was deployed with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Battle Group to support NATO combat operations during Operation Allied Force. During this the "Bear" performed various mission such as surface surveillance, provided backup Search and Rescue response, combat escort for US Army transport vessels in areas where the cutter was well within range of enemy missiles, and provided force protection for the Amphibious Ready Group operating near Albania. Vice Admiral Murphy stated how well and how seamlessly the "Bear" and her crew performed naval operations. This was due to the "Bear's" interoperability, crew training and knowledge in naval warfare and naval war fighting doctrine, and adequate weaponry. The "Bear" was awarded the Kosovo Campaign Medal and the NATO Kosovo Medal. Since her launch CGC Bear has been deployed 65 times (2019)