USCG Owns Southwest Pacific?
Big Blue, the U.S. Navy, has two carrier strike groups (TR and Reagan) in the Pacific as well as an amphibious ready group (America), with the latter two currently forward deployed in Japan at Sasebo and Yokosuka while the San Diego-based Teddy Roosevelt group (with CVW-11 embarked) is flexing off Luzon in the vital South China Sea.
However, south of Manila, except for an LCS that has been on a rotational deployment to the region, the only armed American maritime assets currently underway are owned by the Coast Guard.
The four big frigate-sized National Security Cutters based at Alameda, California continue their regular WestPac deployments with class-leader USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750) recently steaming over 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to take part in planned engagements with regional partners.
She had previously made Westpac tours in 2019 and 2022.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) transits near the Singapore Straits, on Feb. 29, 2024. The Bertholf is a 418-foot National Security Cutter currently deployed to the Indo-Pacific region under the tactical control of the U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
The Bertholf crew recently conducted a refueling at sea evolution with the U.S. Naval Ship John Ericsson (T-AO 194). Alongside connected replenishment is a standard method of transferring liquids such as fuel and water and allows the cutter to stay out at sea for extended periods. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
She recently joined the rotationally-deployed USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and called in Singapore.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) arrives at Changi Naval Base in Singapore, on Feb. 25, 2024. The Bertholf moored next to USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship, also in the region to support an open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Cmdr. Trevor Parra)
Bertholf is operating as part of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71, the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening partner networks, and enhancing maritime safety and security.
Harriet Lane Clocks in
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old 270-foot Bear class USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903), the only member of her type in the Pacific, is getting her feet wet from her new homeport in Pearl Harbor and is currently deployed on her inaugural Blue Pacific mission, calling in Samoa and Fiji among other Pacific Rim allies.
A tour aboard the new dedicated “Indo-Pacific Cutter” while in Fiji.
FRC on expeditionary patrol
The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew and Kiribati Police Maritime Unit officers and recruits stand for a photo in Tarawa, Kiribati, on Feb. 16, 2024. For the first time since 2015, the patrol incorporated ship riders from the PMU, executing the maritime bilateral agreement signed with Kiribati in 2008. These engagements under Operation Blue Pacific emphasize the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties and ensuring maritime security within the Pacific community. (U.S Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Nicholas Haas)
Orion Drops
Aerial resupply at sea via the airborne system saves approximately $1.3 million for each operation. AMO P-3 aircrews have conducted 16 airborne resupply missions with U.S. Coast Guard crews and task force teams since March 2022. These resupply missions have also allowed Coast Guard crews that would normally be required to travel to and from port to complete logistical supply runs to stay on station for approximately 75 additional days.
Way down in the South Pacific…
Finally, going even further south in the Pacific, the Coast Guard’s only serious icebreaker, the 48-year-old USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) has been busy breaking ice into McMurdo during Operation Deep Freeze 2023/2024, operating for 51 days below the Antarctic Circle, and is now retiring north, back across the Pacific.
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