The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) moors in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 30, 2022. Midgett’s crew will engage in professional exchanges and capacity building exercises with the Philippine Coast Guard, and partner nations, and will patrol and conduct operations as directed while deployed on a months-long Western Pacific patrol under the tactical control of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Philippine Coast Guard photo
Two news releases for Coast Guard News, “U.S. Coast Guard cutter visits New Zealand, conducts training and promotes maritime governance” and “U.S. Coast Guard cutter visits Tuvalu, strengthens partnerships and promotes regional security.”
U.S. Coast Guard cutter visits New Zealand, conducts training and promotes maritime governance
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) recently concluded a month-long engagement with New Zealand, strengthening ties with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and reinforcing the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to Oceania. The engagements included professional exchanges, bilateral maritime law enforcement trainings, and enhanced cooperation between the two nations in support of a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and resilient region.
During Midgett’s transit from Honolulu to Wellington, three RNZN members experienced operations aboard the cutter as part of an exchange program with the Coast Guard.
While in Wellington, Midgett’s crew participated in several events with the RNZN, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), the New Zealand Maritime Police, and members of the local community. These events included a reception hosted by the RNZN, visits to the RCCNZ and the Maritime Police Base, a community event with Waka Ama’s outrigger canoes, and ship tours for more than 200 people.
The Coast Guard is an instrument of national power that bridges the divide between defense, diplomacy, and law enforcement, and creates opportunities to further national objectives and priorities. These engagements provided invaluable opportunities for personnel from both nations to interact, discuss experiences, and learn about roles in their services and communities. “The integration of our New Zealand partners into our crew was seamless and highly beneficial,” said Capt. Matthew Rooney, commanding officer of Midgett. “The professional exchanges and shared experiences, along with the friendships forged and sea stories shared, will undoubtedly enhance our ability to operate together in the future.”
The Coast Guard values New Zealand’s active engagement in international security efforts. This partnership is vital to countering destabilizing behavior in the Pacific that undermines mutual prosperity, economic well-being, and the health of the marine ecosystem. This visit builds on the Memorandum of Agreement signed with the RNZN in 2023, allowing both nations to share experiences and knowledge to cultivate best practices. The Coast Guard looks forward to continuing this partnership, based on mutual respect and shared values, to promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Commissioned in 2019, Midgett is the eighth Legend-class national security cutter and is homeported in Honolulu. National security cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed of more than 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, an endurance of up to 90 days and can hold a crew of up to 170.
U.S. Coast Guard cutter visits Tuvalu, strengthens partnerships and promotes regional security
FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) recently concluded a successful engagement in Tuvalu, conducting joint bilateral maritime law enforcement shiprider operations and strengthening partnerships to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the region. This partnership underscores the U.S. Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, leveraging its operational expertise to enhance cooperation and strengthen its trusted partnership with Tuvalu.
During the three-day operation, Midgett participated in three at-sea boardings, including two bilateral inspections within Tuvalu’s exclusive economic zone, the first in over a decade, and one Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission high-seas inspection. Midgett also deployed its ScanEagle unmanned air system to enhance maritime domain awareness and support the joint effort. These joint operations provided valuable opportunities for both Tuvalu and U.S. Coast Guard personnel to exchange expertise, share best practices, and strengthen interoperability. Following the shiprider operations, Midgett hosted 13 distinguished visitors from Tuvalu, including representatives from the Fisheries Department, Maritime Police, and the Tuvalu government. Discussions focused on the positive impact of the joint boardings, emphasizing the importance of maritime security cooperation in the region.
“This operation was a tremendous success on multiple levels,” said Capt. Matthew Rooney, commanding officer of Midgett. “Not only did we work alongside our partners in Tuvalu to conduct critical maritime law enforcement operations, but the experience also provided invaluable training for our crew. From the deck plate level all the way up to command and control, integrating with our Tuvaluan counterparts was seamless and incredibly beneficial for all involved. We learned a great deal from each other, and this experience will undoubtedly pay dividends in future operations.”
The partnership between Midgett and Tuvalu underscores the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to supporting Pacific Island nations in their efforts to safeguard their sovereignty and manage their maritime resources effectively. A secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific requires working closely with partners such as Tuvalu to promote maritime governance.
Bilateral maritime efforts enhance governance among regional partners, improving interoperability, and strengthening readiness.
Midgett, commissioned in 2019 and homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the eighth Legend-class National Security Cutter. These 418-foot vessels are equipped with advanced technology and a range of capabilities, making them ideally suited to support a wide range of missions, including maritime security, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. Midgett’s deployment to Oceania highlights the United States’ enduring commitment to promoting a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and resilient Pacific Islands region.
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