The safety and security of sailors and vessels operating in Fiji’s waters will be supported through joint maritime law enforcement operations between Fiji and the United States this week.
The crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak is visiting Suva to work alongside Fiji in bilateral maritime law enforcement operations within Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The US Coast Guard says the joint effort enables Fiji to conduct maritime shiprider operations to ensure the safety and security of sailors and vessels of all nations.
It says the partnership will help Fiji confront direct threats to its sovereignty and economy, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The US Coast Guard says together with Fiji, it can help deter these illegal activities and promote regional security and a free, open and prosperous Pacific.
The Joseph Gerczak is in Fiji on behalf of Operation Blue Pacific, a multi-mission US Coast Guard initiative promoting regional stability and security throughout the Pacific.
The cutter recently assisted the Republic of the Marshall Islands with maritime law enforcement operations.
The US Coast Guard says the Joseph Gerczak’s presence in Fiji is rooted in longstanding friendships and shared values with partners and communities in the region.
The vessel is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter with a 24-person crew.
It was the 26th Sentinel-class cutter built in the series and is the second of its class to be homeported in Honolulu.
The US Coast Guard says Operation Blue Pacific involves cutters, aircrews and personnel deploying throughout Oceania to maintain unrestricted and lawful access to the maritime domain for all nations, improve regional stability and strengthen the Coast Guard as a reliable partner for maritime safety, security and stewardship in the Pacific.
