BY JOSES SAREN
The crew of US Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) arrived in Honiara yesterday as part of their ongoing Operation Blue Pacific patrol, a multi-mission Coast Guard endeavor to promote regional security and stability throughout the Pacific.
According to a statement, the arrival of the Harriet Lane in the Solomon Islands marks a pivotal moment, reaffirming the US Coast Guard’s enduring and unwavering commitment as a steadfast and reliable Pacific partner.
While in the Solomon Islands, the statement said the Harriet Lane will host representatives from the governments of both the United States and the Solomon Islands for the signing of a bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement.
Bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements enable Pacific nations to protect their sovereignty and help ensure the safety and security of sailors and vessels of all nations conducting legal maritime operations within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Through these agreements, the host nation makes determinations regarding targeting vessels for law enforcement boardings within its Exclusive Economic Zone, identifies violations, and determines penalties and follow-on procedures.
The statement noted that the Harriet Lane crew recently assisted Papua New Guinea security forces with bilateral maritime law enforcement operations to combat illicit maritime activity in the region.
Commissioned in 1984, the Harriet Lane is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter 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.
Photo credit: US Coast Guard
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
