Category Archives: Capacity Building

“U.S. Coast Guard cutter arrives in Papua New Guinea, embarks law enforcement officers to conduct joint maritime patrol” –News Release

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Officials from multiple agencies stand in the engine control room of the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) in Papua New Guinea Mar. 6, 2025. Papua New Guinea lies in the heart of key shipping routes, where freedom of navigation for the transport of global goods and fisheries and deep-sea resources abounds. The Coast Guard and Papua New Guinea collaborate to mitigate shared maritime challenges and threats, promoting regional security and stability within Oceania. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Nilson)

Below is a Coast Guard news release.

For those with an interest in World War II history. The Battle of the Coral Sea turned back a Japanese force that had planned to attack Port Moresby on the East end of New Guinea.

Battle of Coral Sea. United States Army Center of Military History. The Campaigns of MacArthur in the Pacific, Volume I. Reports of General MacArthur., p. 48, Plate 14. Port Moresby, NewGuinea is in the upper left; Guadalcanal, Tulagi and other Solomon Islands in the upper right; Australia to the South and West

March 12, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard cutter arrives in Papua New Guinea, embarks law enforcement officers to conduct joint maritime patrol

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — At the invitation of the Papua New Guinea government, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) arrived in Port Moresby, Thursday, to embark Papua New Guinean law enforcement officers. This visit directly supports Papua New Guinea’s leadership in the Pacific Islands and its commitment to maritime security, specifically in combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Midgett’s presence reinforces the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to deeper relations with Pacific Island nations and regional stability. This collaborative effort marks the first time a national security cutter, the U.S. Coast Guard’s most capable law enforcement cutter, will conduct bilateral maritime law enforcement operations in Papua New Guinea’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), under the existing bilateral agreement that was singed in May 2023.

This joint patrol will represent a tangible demonstration of the bilateral agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea, strengthening maritime governance within the Pacific and deterring illegal activities within Papua New Guinea’s EEZ to promote the sustainable use of marine resources.

Midgett, commissioned in 2019 and homeported in Honolulu, 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.

Cutter Midgett has been busy in the Western Pacific

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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.”

Feb. 21, 2025

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.

Feb. 21, 2025

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.

 

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutters return home after successful Central American deployment” –D11 News Release

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USCGC Forrest Rednour (WPC 1129) and Blackfin (WPB 87317) in Costa Rica

Below is a District 11 news release. Did an earlier post on this unusual deployment.

The 800 operational hours claimed for each vessel works out to 33.3 operational days out of 49 deployed, so I presume that means about 16 days in transit, there and back.

The Mexican Navy vessel mentioned, ARM PALENQUE, the third of ten Tenochtitlan-class patrol vessels, looks a lot like a Webber class Fast Response Cutter. It is also a Damen design, but a bit smaller (a Stan Patrol 4207 vs 4708 for the FRC). Damen has been very successful with this design. More than 50 have been built for more than a dozen agencies. (USCGC Blackfin and the other Marine Protector class patrol boats are also based on a Damen design.)

Mexican Navy ARM Palenque (PC-333) at launching March 2014. Credit Secrtaria de Marina.

June 10, 2024

U.S. Coast Guard Cutters return home after successful Central American deployment

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — U.S. Coast Guard cutters Forrest Rednour and Blackfin have returned to their homeports after a 49-day deployment in Central America, where they played a crucial role in multiple operations.

During this period, both cutters demonstrated outstanding readiness and operational capability, significantly contributing to international cooperation, search and rescue missions, and efforts to combat criminal activities. This deployment was part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security and strengthen partnerships. Throughout the mission, Forrest Rednour covered over 8,200 miles and logged 800 operational hours, while Blackfin covered over 8,300 miles and also logged 800 operational hours.

“The amount of effort and commitment from both crews during this 49-day deployment was remarkable,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard District 11. “Their readiness and professional exchanges provided an invaluable experience to our partner nations and crews. The enthusiasm to lead multiple engagements with several international maritime organizations helped strengthen ties and fortify continued collaboration between all.”

Key Achievements:

Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX):

  • Manzanillo, Mexico: Blackfin led a successful SAR operation, including helicopter rescue exercises with the Mexican Navy.
  • Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala: Hosted tours and conducted SAR exercises with the Guatemalan Navy, building stronger maritime partnerships.
  • La Union, El Salvador: Rednour led a SAR exercise and joint operations with the Salvadoran Navy, marking the first U.S. vessel visit to this port in two years.

Partnership and Training:

  • Amapala, Honduras: Engaged in discussions and training on maritime law enforcement and security with the Honduran Navy and Merchant Marine.
  • Golfito, Costa Rica: Shared knowledge on maritime governance with the Costa Rican Coast Guard, enhancing mutual understanding.
  • Rodman, Panama: Provided damage control and medical evacuation training to Panamanian forces, marking the first U.S.-Panama Coast Guard engagement in over two years.
  • PASSEX with ARM PALENQUE: Forrest Rednour and Blackfin conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Mexican Navy’s ARM PALENQUE. This included formation steaming, code exercises, and a crew exchange to enhance mutual operational understanding and cooperation.

“This patrol was truly an amazing experience and a testament to the incredible devotion to duty that the crews of the Forrest Rednour and Blackfin have,” said Lt. Kevin Ng, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour. “Both crews adapted and overcame several challenges leading up to and during the patrol, but never took their eyes off the main objective. As a result, the Coast Guard was able to strengthen the valuable relationships that the United States has with our international partners throughout Central America and unify our efforts to address critical maritime security initiatives in the Eastern Pacific. Thank you to crews on a job well done, District 11 and Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach for the coordination, and the families and friends of the crew for all of the support; the success of this historic patrol could not have been accomplished without them all.”

“I could not be prouder of both crews for the incredible amount of hard work they have dedicated to making this historic patrol possible. The success of this Surface Action Group is a testament to the Coast Guard’s ability to overcome dynamic challenges in the completion of unprecedented mission sets. It also signifies the Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to advancing our vital maritime partnerships in the Eastern Pacific. The international relationships formed and strengthened during this deployment have set the groundwork for future engagements which I look forward to watching,” said Lt. j.g. James Morrison, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin.

Commissioned in 2018, the Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour is one of the Coast Guard’s Sentinel-class fast response cutters homeported in San Pedro, California. Sentinel-class cutters are 154 feet long and 25 feet wide and have a 353 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 24. The namesake of the Forrest Rednour is Petty Officer 2nd Class Forrest O. Rednour, who heroically rescued survivors from the torpedoed USAT (US Army Transport–Chuck) Dorchester during World War II and was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Commissioned in 2000, the USCGC Blackfin is one of the Coast Guard’s Marine Protector-class patrol boats homeported in Santa Barbara, California. Marine Protector-class patrol boats are 87 feet long and 19.5 feet wide and have a 100 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 900 nautical miles. They can hold a crew of up to 10. The Blackfin is equipped with advanced electronics and navigation systems for multi-mission operations, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security. The Blackfin shares the name of the USS Blackfin (SS-322), a submarine that participated in World War II and the Korean War.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro holds a change of command ceremony” –News Release

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Royal Navy vessel HMS Spey (P234) (foreground) conducts coordinated ship maneuvers with U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) Sept. 17, 2023, in the South China Sea. Munro is deployed to the Indo-Pacific to advance relationships with ally and partner nations to build a more stable, free, open and resilient region with unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime commons. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Brett Cote)

Below is a news release. Routine change of command, but the Munro’s recent activities are interesting for their variety, three very different activities in widely dispersed areas, Eastern Pacific, Western Pacific, and far Northern Pacific. More info in these earlier news releases:

 May 31, 2024

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro holds a change of command ceremony

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) held a change of command ceremony Thursday in San Diego.

Vice Adm. Andrew J. Tiongson, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. James O’Mara IV relieved Capt. Rula Deisher as Munro’s commanding officer.

Deisher served as Munro’s commanding officer from May 2022 to May 2024, sailing over 73,000 nautical miles to 17 ports, including eight foreign countries during patrols in the Bering Sea, Western Pacific, and Eastern Pacific.

Most recently, Munro and the crew were responsible for the interdiction and seizure of illegal narcotics worth an estimated $460 million in wholesale value and over $2 billion in street value while patrolling the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South. Munro’s crew also supported Operation Southern Shield during their recent patrol by conducting 16 fisheries boardings in the Southern Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization convention area, upholding the maritime rules-based order.

During Munro’s Western Pacific patrol, the cutter and crew hosted multiple engagements with foreign partners, including a discussion about the SAPPHIRE agreement with Japanese Coast Guard officers, a subject matter expert exchange, an at-sea engagement with the Korea Coast Guard, and participated in CARAT Brunei, where Munro worked alongside the Royal Brunei Navy in professional subject matter expert exchanges, leadership conferences, and an at-sea engagement.

While patrolling the Bering Sea, Munro conducted 24 fisheries boardings and two search-and-rescue cases, including the medical evacuation of a critical patient from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to Anchorage, Alaska.

“To the crew of Munro, thank you,” said Deisher. “I am so proud of your endless dedication and care toward each other and our mission. This crew is phenomenal, and it has been an honor and privilege to sail with them and learn from them.”

Deisher’s next assignment is to serve as the Seventeenth District’s Response Division chief.

O’Mara, the incoming commanding officer, brings a wealth of experience to Munro.

Reporting from the Coast Guard’s Eleventh District as the Enforcement Branch chief, O’Mara oversaw assets across 1,000 miles of shoreline from the California-Oregon state line to the Mexico border and 73 federal waterways. He also worked closely with the Department of Defense Joint Interagency Task Forces and the Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Force West to conduct effective drug and law enforcement interdiction efforts across the Eastern Pacific.

Munro will be O’Mara’s seventh ship and fourth command, following previous commands aboard the Coast Guard Cutters Active (WMEC 618), Farallon (WPB 1301), Monomoy (WPB 1326), and Narwhal (WPB 87335).

The change of command ceremony, a time-honored tradition, is a significant event conducted before the assembled company of a command. It confirms to the unit’s men and women that the authority of command is maintained. The ceremony symbolizes a transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to another, marking a new chapter in the command’s history.

Commissioned in 2017, Munro is one of four Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Alameda. National security cutters, measuring 418 feet long and 54 feet wide, boast a top speed of over 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90 days, and can hold a crew of up to 170. The advanced technologies of the national security cutter class ships support the national objective of maintaining the security of America’s maritime boundaries and providing long-range search and rescue capabilities.

“U.S., Japan, Korea Coast Guards sign trilateral agreement to increase maritime cooperation” –News Release

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U.S., Japan, Korea coast guards sign trilateral agreement to increase maritime cooperation
Mr. Kishimori Hajime, deputy Consul General of Japan (left), Japan coast guard Vice Adm. Watanabe Yasunori, Japan coast guard vice commandant for operations, U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, and Hyunchul Kang, deputy Consul General of the Republic of Korea, pose with a signed trilateral agreement at Coast Guard Island, Alameda, Calif., May 9, 2024. Japan, Republic of Korea and U.S. coast guards gathered to finalize a trilateral letter of intent, which will drive the three nations to work together to advance maritime safety, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Master Chief Petty Officer Charly Tautfest)

Below is a PACAREA news release.

Like the US Coast Guard, Japan and South Korea have been attempting to help SE Asian nations strengthen their maritime security and law enforcement organizations so that they can deal with what is essentially state supported, state sponsored, and state coordinated theft of their resources.

This should at least allow better coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication. The Philippines and Vietnam are likely to be primary beneficiaries.

We probably have things to learn too. The Japanese and S. Korean Coast Guards are both large and have a lot of experience countering violent resistance.

A picture taken on November 16, 2011 from a South Korean helicopter shows Chinese fishermen wielding sticks to stop an attack by South Korean coastguard commandoes armed with clubs aboard rubber boats during a crackdown on alleged illegal fishing in South Korean waters in the Yellow Sea off the southwestern coast county of Buan. South Korea’s coastguard mobilised 12 ships, four helicopters and commandoes for a special three-day crackdown on illegal fishing by Chinese boats this week. REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT AFP PHOTO / DONG-A ILBO (Photo credit should read DONG-A ILBO/AFP/Getty Images)

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention. 

May 12, 2024

U.S., Japan, Korea Coast Guards sign trilateral agreement to increase maritime cooperation

ALAMEDA, Calif – U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard and Korea Coast Guard representatives displayed continued commitment to enhance maritime expertise and promote regional cooperation by signing a trilateral letter of intent, Thursday.

This agreement aligns trilateral cooperation between Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States to include capacity-building efforts to Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Pacific Island countries. The letter of intent advances a joint statement between the three nations’ leaders, which was held at Camp David in August 2023.

U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, met Japan Coast Guard Vice Adm. Watanabe Yasunori, Japan Coast Guard Vice Commandant for Operations, to finalize a trilateral letter of intent, which was previously signed by Korea Coast Guard Oh Sang Kwon, Deputy Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard. Oh signed the letter of intent in April with the understanding that the agreement would be finalized upon Watanabe’s May visit to U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area command.

Mr. Hyunchul Kang, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Korea, attended the trilateral signing on behalf of the Korea coast guard, and Mr. Kishimori Hajime, Deputy Consul General of Japan, presented brief remarks as well.

“This trilateral agreement between U.S., Japan and Korea Coast Guards is the lynchpin that will drive our coast guards to work together to advance maritime safety, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” said Tiongson. “It will enhance our multilateral operations with each other, as well as other trusted partners in the region.”

The agreement specifically recognizes the important of efforts to conserve maritime resources, combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and search and rescue response efforts.

“Vanuatu police, aided by US Coast Guard, say Chinese vessels violated fishing laws” Reuters

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USCGC Harriet Lane arrives Pearl Harbor. USCG Photo.

Reuters reports,

“Six Chinese fishing boats were found to be violating Vanuatu’s fisheries law after being inspected by local police who were on board the first U.S. Coast Guard boat to patrol the waters of the Pacific Islands nation, Vanuatu police and officials said.”

Nice to see positive results from USCGC Harriet Lane‘s first Pacific law enforcement deployment. (In just over a month, Harriet Lane will turn 40 years old.)

Notably,

“Last year, a Coast Guard vessel on patrol for illegal fishing was refused access to Vanuatu’s port.”

“Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf arrives in Singapore”

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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) arrives at Changi Naval Base in Singapore, Feb. 25, 2024. The Bertholf moored next to USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship, also in the region to support an open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Cmdr. Trevor Parra)

Below is a US Coast Guard news release. You can find more photos at the link. 

March 5, 2024

Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf arrives in Singapore

SINGAPORE – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) and crew arrived in Singapore, Feb. 25, after transiting more than 8,000 nautical miles over 30 days from San Diego, Calif.

During the visit to the Republic of Singapore, the crew of the cutter is scheduled to participate in several professional engagements and at-sea exercises.

The two-day professional meetings will allow for collaboration, exchanges of best practices, and operational planning for the scheduled two-day exercises at-sea with the Republic of Singapore Navy vessel, Guardian. In addition to the Republic of Singapore Navy, the crew of the Bertholf intend to work with the Singapore Police Coast Guard and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency.

“The crew of the Bertholf is excited to be in Singapore and looking forward to the many events with the crew of the Republic of Singapore Navy, Police Coast Guard, and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of the Bertholf. “The Indo-Pacific region is a dynamic environment and fostering partnerships with our allied nations helps ensure we improve maritime governance in these crucial economic waterways.”

Bertholf is one of four National Security Cutters homeported in Alameda. The U.S. Coast Guard currently maintains 10 National Security Cutters. Bertholf is operating as part of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71, U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening partner networks, and enhancing maritime safety and security.

Bertholf is the first legend-class national security cutter and has a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90 days and can hold a crew of up to 170. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf is homeported in Alameda, Calif.

“Head of Royal Canadian Navy Outlines Ottawa’s Pacific Strategy” –USNI

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This is starting to get a little old, but I am trying to catch up.

US Naval Institute reports on a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) interview with Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy, Chief of the Naval Staff, that discusses their Navy’s increased emphasis on the Pacific.

I have included the video of the interview above.

Three AOPSs at pier before the commissioning ceremony for HMCS Margaret Brooke (AOPV-431). Canadian Navy photo

He discusses operating with the Coast Guard for drug interdiction, icebreaking, and fisheries beginning about time 9:00. The new Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships are expected to play important roles in these activities.

Map of the Arctic region showing shipping routes Northeast Passage, Northern Sea Route, and Northwest Passage, and bathymetry, Arctic Council, by Susie Harder

He explains why he does not see the NW Passage (which includes Alaskan waters) as a future international trade route (12:30).

He anticipates an end to the moratorium on fishing in the Arctic (14:30).

Discusses response to “Gray Zone” threats to undersea infrastructure (15:30).

Discussed war in Ukraine (19:00). Re sinking of Moskva, “Cruise missiles should not sink ships” (20:30). Drones (21:00). AI (24:50).

Where will they concentrate their efforts–Indo-Pacific (27:00). AOPS will be used for Fisheries in the Western Pacific.

Artic is an expeditionary theater, you have to bring everything with you, because there are no port facilities (29:00). Looking to create dual use facilities.

Recruiting (31:30). National Shipbuilding program (35:30), Technology sharing.

“U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane arrives at new homeport in Pearl Harbor” –News Release

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USCGC Harriet Lane arrives Pearl Harbor. USCG Photo.

Below is a news release from CG News (more photos there). As part of the prototype SLEP, her 76mm Mk75 gun and Mk92 fire control system have been removed. The AN/SLQ-32 has been retained. It appears there are now additional communications antenna in place of the fire control system, and a 25mm Mk38 gun weapon system is mounted on a bandstand in place of the 76mm.

Dec. 13, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane arrives at new homeport in Pearl Harbor

HONOLULU – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) and crew arrived at its new homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wednesday, after transiting more than 8,000 nautical miles over 36-days from Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Harriet Lane is U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area’s newest Indo-Pacific support cutter and spent more than 15 months in a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) in Baltimore, Maryland, to prepare for the transition in missions and operations. Following reconstitution of the crew in July and returning to Portsmouth in August, the crew went through an extensive dockside period, ensuring the cutter was ready for the transit from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

“Re-homeporting U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane is indicative of the Coast Guard’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific – the most dynamic region in the world,” said Rear Admiral Brendan McPherson, deputy commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area. “Harriet Lane will work by, with, and through allies and partners within the Indo-Pacific region to promote capacity building and model good maritime governance.”

“The crew and I look forward to building partnerships in Oceania to enhance our capabilities, strengthen maritime governance and security while promoting individual sovereignty,” said Cmdr. Nicole Tesoniero, commanding officer of the Harriet Lane. “We plan to build upon many decades of enduring support, operating in concert with the needs of our partners.”

Harriet Lane and crew departed Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, November 2023, and during the transit, the crew conducted trainings for upcoming operations along with professional development for crewmembers. Harriet Lane transited through the Panama Canal, and had port calls in Golfito, Costa Rica and San Diego.

Harriet Lane, commissioned in 1984, is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter now homeported in Honolulu to support Coast Guard missions in the Pacific region. The service’s medium endurance cutter fleet supports a variety of Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime defense, and protection of the marine environment.

Second Indian Navy Anti-Piracy Patrol in the Atlantic –Sea Waves

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INS Sumedha (P58) en-route to Bangladesh 9 March 2021. Photo credit: Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Sea Waves reports.

INS Sumedha is on an Extended Range Operational Deployment and is currently operating in the Atlantic Ocean along the West Coast of Africa. During this period, INS Sumedha operated in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) undertaking a 31 days anti-piracy patrol. This is the second such patrol being undertaken by the Indian Navy in this crucial maritime region. The maiden GoG Anti piracy patrol was undertaken by INS Tarkash in Sep – Oct 22.

This is a new effort by the Indian Navy. US Coast Guard WMECs have been doing similar capacity building in the same area. We might be able to coordinate our efforts.