[1] In 1986, Bear responded to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster by searching over 1900 square nautical miles (6,500 km²).

[2] During any given patrol, Bear conducts a wide-spectrum of missions such as search and rescue, alien migrant interdiction operations, counter-drug patrols, fisheries enforcement, and international engagement—illustrating the versatile, multi-mission character of the Coast Guard and the cutter fleet.

According to the Office of Maritime Law Enforcement, in 2023, Bear set the record for most interdictions in one deployment in which the crew stopped 6 go-fasts, preventing 8,500 pounds of cocaine from reaching the U.S. and keeping $90M out of the hands of criminals.

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 Bear and her crew performed naval operations.