Coast Guard Ship Visits Hong Kong
By Coast Guard Pacific Area Public Affairs
| April 14, 2019
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf crew moors the cutter in Hong Kong during the cutter’s Western Pacific deployment under the tactical control of Commander, 7th Fleet, April 15, 2019. The U.S. Coast Guard’s deployment of resources to the region directly supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives as outlined by the President in the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the National Security Strategy. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi)
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) crewmembers watch from the cutter’s forecastle as Bertholf navigates toward Hong Kong, April 15, 2019. The U.S. Coast Guard’s deployment of resources to the region directly supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives as outlined by the President in the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the National Security Strategy. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi)
U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Robert Hill, executive officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), looks through the bridge windows as the cutter navigates toward Hong Kong, April 15, 2019. Under the tactical control of Commander, 7th Fleet, Bertholf will patrol and operate as directed, while striving to improve regional maritime governance and security, through capacity building exercises and professional exchanges with numerous partner nations and their respective coast guards and navies. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi)
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Brendan Hoban, a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) crewmember, uses a set of big eyes as the cutter navigates toward Hong Kong, April 15, 2019. Bertholf’s visit to Hong Kong marks the first time a U.S. Coast Guard vessel has moored in the city in 17 years. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi)
Capt. John J. Driscoll, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) speaks with members of the local and international media after the cutter moored in Hong Kong, April 15, 2019. The U.S. Coast Guard has deep and long-standing ties with our partners in the region, and more importantly, the service shares 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. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi)
ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) moored April 15, in Hong Kong Harbor – 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 homeported in Alameda. The cutter is deployed to the Western Pacific under the tactical control of commander, U.S. 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. “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.”