U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton is currently docked at the Puerto Princesa City seaport to engage in a series of high-level activities with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aimed at boosting maritime cooperation and regional security.
The three-day visit aims to further strengthen their bilateral partnership through activities that promote interoperability, technical consultations on operational best practices, community engagements, and sports competitions.
Cutter Stratton commanding officer Captain Brian Krautler said this is the second time the vessel has been deployed to the Philippines, which has enabled enduring partnerships and cooperation between the two countries, as he welcomed U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronie Gil Gavan.
“This is the second deployment of Stratton in the Philippines in the two years that I have been aboard. That enduring partnership enables combined effects and cooperation and engagements. Our coast guards stands shoulder-to-shoulder in strengthening maritime security in the region and serves as unique instruments of national power, defense diplomacy, and law enforcement,” Krautler said.
Carlson, in her speech, said Stratton’s visit displays a “moment of pride and possibility” to further strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and the United States.
Stratton has played a significant role in enforcing maritime law, enhancing regional security, and conducting international cooperative engagements, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Its deployment to Southeast Asia and the Pacific region often includes port visits, joint exercises, and capacity-building efforts with allied and partner nations, such as the Philippines and Japan.
“This is the sixth USCG cutter exchange with the PCG since 2019, a testament to the strength of our bond and the enduring value of our alliance. These engagements are a priority as they enhance our interoperability and deepen the trust that defines our maritime partnership,” Carlson said.
“Over the next three days, the professional exchanges and moments of fellowship here on port will lay a strong foundation for the inaugural at sea maritime cooperative activity next week bringing together coast guard and naval assets of our two nations,” she added.
Carlson further stated that the event serves as a preparation for a trilateral maritime cooperative activity between the coast guards of the Philippines, U.S., and Japan to be held in Hiroshima next month.
“This historic exercise, the first for us and a PCG vessel operating beyond the Philippines’ EEZ reflects our shared commitment to a shared regional cooperation and maritime security,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gavan explained that they have been preparing for the trainings between the two coast guards and the trilateral exercise, highlighting the importance of interoperability.
“Since coast guards are the protector of rules and laws, the interoperability trainings, the port visits being done by fellow coast guards, more significantly by the USCG sends a message to the world that the seas are governed by rules and laws,” he said.
“I think it is the most significant impact in having these kinds of things, on top of the benefits that we gain from these,” he added.
He added that the MCA is anchored on the Philippines and the U.S. being treaty allies and maritime neighbors.
“Guam is nearby so we are expected to do search and rescue activities together,” he said.
