FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu – The US 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 US 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 US 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 US 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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