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USCG commissions 3 fast response cutters in Guam
SANTA RITA, Guam—The Coast Guard’s three newest fast response cutters were commissioned last July 29 during a ceremony presided over by Coast Guard commandant Adm. Karl Schultz.
The Coast Guard cutters Myrtle Hazard, Oliver Henry, and Frederick Hatch were commissioned during a rare triple-commissioning ceremony at their new homeport at Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam.
“The triple commissioning of Coast Guard cutters Myrtle Hazard, Oliver Henry, and Frederick Hatch signals our dedication to regional partners and the growing maritime demand in the region,” said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander, Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam. “It was an honor to celebrate this historic event with the crews, families and sponsors for each cutters’ namesake.”
Like the 30-year old Island-class patrol boats before them, they will support the people of Guam, the CNMI, and international partners throughout Oceania. The FRCs represent the Coast Guard’s commitment to modernizing service assets to address the increasingly complex global Maritime Transportation System.
The Coast Guard already has a well established presence within the region due to its bilateral shiprider agreements with Pacific Island Forum countries. These shiprider agreements allow partnering nations’ defense and law enforcement officers to go aboard Coast Guard vessels to observe, board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within their exclusive economic zones. (USCG)
