The US Coast Guard (USCG) National Security Cutter Bertholf (WMSL-750) is en route to the Western Pacific to patrol the region as part of the Indo-Pacific Command’s operations, the USCG said.
The USCG is deploying Legend-class National Security Cutter Bertholf to the Western Pacific. (Northrop Grumman)
The 418-ft Legend-class vessel is expected to interact often with US partner nations. The ship departed from Alameda, California, on 20 January for the rare Western Pacific deployment at a time when USCG personnel are not getting paid because of the US government shutdown and in the wake of a recent Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report warning of aggressive Chinese coastguard operations in the region.
USCG officials said they can provide combatant commanders with greater flexibility because the coastguard operates as a US federal law enforcement agency and an armed force.
“Enhancing our partners’ capabilities is a force multiplier in combating transnational criminal and terrorist organisations and deterring our adversaries,” said Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, commander of the USCG Pacific Area.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) is used similarly and for other missions, according to the DIA report, ‘China Military Power, Modernizing a Force to Fight and Win’, released on 15 January.
“The CCG is responsible for a wide range of missions, including the enforcement of China’s sovereignty claims, anti-smuggling, surveillance, protection of fisheries resources, and general law enforcement,” the DIA reported.
“CCG ships are subordinate to the People's Armed Police and take part in Beijing's whole-of-government approach to maritime disputes. China primarily uses civilian maritime law enforcement agencies in maritime disputes, employing the PLAN [People’s Liberation Army Navy] in a protective capacity in case of escalation.”
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