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U.S. Coast Guard members aboard Alameda-based Coast Guard Munro (WMSL 755) participated in a three-day cooperative sea exercise with the Royal Australian Navy in the South China Sea from Saturday to Monday.
The joint training engagement included joint operations, professional exchanges and multi-unit maneuvers at sea to enhance interoperability between the United States Coast Guard and the Royal Australian Navy.
“These engagements at sea with our long-standing partners in the Indo-Pacific region have provided an excellent joint training opportunity for the crew,†said Munro’s commanding officer, Captain Blake Novak. “Strengthening cooperation and building trust strengthens our relationship with the Royal Australian Navy while expanding our regional security cooperation initiatives. “
The US Coast Guard has a long history of cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy. The United States and Australia, along with New Zealand and France, form the Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordinating Group or P-QUAD. P-QUAD works to enhance maritime safety in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean in partnership with Pacific Island countries through organizations such as the Fisheries Forum Agency.
“The United States and Australia have deep and continuing interests throughout the Pacific,†said Vice Admiral Michael F. McAllister, commander of the US Coast Guard Pacific Area. “As leaders in maritime safety and security, our forces are dedicated to upholding regional sovereignty, stability and security. Through joint operations with Australia, we are strengthening our interoperability with an ally deeply committed to promoting international rules and standards within the Indo-Pacific.
“The Royal Australian Navy has had multiple opportunities throughout the year to work with the United States in the Indo-Pacific,†said Captain David Teitzel of the Royal Australian Navy, Commander of Task Group 635.3 . “Being able to operate with a United States Coast Guard like USCGC Munro has strengthened the way we interoperate and strengthen our collaboration in the interests of regional security. I thank Munro for his time with the company and we look forward to sailing with the United States Coast Guard again. “
Munro, a 418-foot national security cutter, left her home port of Alameda in July for a multi-month deployment to the Western Pacific. Operating under the tactical control of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the cutter and crew engage in professional exchanges and capacity building exercises with partner nations, patrolling and conducting operations as directed.
National security cutters like Munro have advanced command and control capabilities, aviation support facilities, rear cutter launch, and increased endurance for long-range patrols. , allowing crews to disrupt threats to national security further offshore.
As a federal law enforcement agency and military force, the United States Coast Guard is uniquely positioned to conduct defense operations in support of combatant commanders. The service regularly provides forces in joint military operations around the world, including the deployment of cutters, boats, airplanes and deployable specialized forces.
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