US Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane arrives in Cairns for official engagements

The cutter is also due to attend overarching multi-mission U.S. Coast Guard endeavour, Operation Blue Pacific, to promote regional stability, and security throughout the Pacific. In addition, the cutter’s crew recently assisted Fiji with their maritime law enforcement operations.

“The visit to Cairns builds on the strong alliance between the United States and Australia, reinforcing a shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Pacific,” according to a statement from the US Embassy in Canberra.

“By combining strengths, the U.S. Coast Guard and partner Australian agencies enhance interoperability and coordinated efforts to counter pressing regional threats, including the devastating flow of narcotics that preys upon Pacific communities and targets Australia.

“Coast Guard cutters, aircrews and personnel deploy throughout Oceania to maintain unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime domain for all nations, improve regional stability, and solidify the Coast Guard as a reliable partner for maritime safety, security and stewardship in the Pacific. 

“Commissioned in 1984, the Harriet Lane is a 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 defence, and protection of the marine environment.”

The US Coast Guard works with partners in Australia and across the Pacific to promote security, safety and economic prosperity, according to the Embassy.