The US Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) moored Sunday in Hong Kong Harbour – the first visit by a Coast Guard cutter in 17 years.
While in port, the crew will have opportunities to explore Hong Kong and interact with local citizens through community relations projects and tours.
Bertholf is a 418-foot national security cutter home-ported in Alameda. The cutter is deployed to the Western Pacific under the tactical control of commander, US 7th Fleet. The cutter and crew are engaging in professional exchanges and capacity building with partner nations and patrolling and conducting operations as directed.
“My last visit to Hong Kong was aboard a Coast Guard cutter 20 years ago, and this amazing city has always remained my favorite port of call,” said Capt. John Driscoll, Bertholf’s commanding officer. “I’m excited the officers and crew of Bertholf will have a similar opportunity to enjoy the culture, meet people and take home the same memories that I’ve enjoyed my entire career.”
“The United States is a Pacific nation,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, who oversees the cutter, and added, some would suggest provocatively, “We have deep and long-standing ties with our partners in the region, and more importantly, we share a strong commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, governed by a rules-based international system that promotes peace, security, prosperity and sovereignty of all nations.”
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