U.S. and Papua New Guinea strengthen maritime security and sustainability through historic patrol, deepening personal bonds along the way
Lt. Jalle Merritt of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) talks with Lt. Nathan Thavaran of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as they depart Port Moresby for the second leg of a combined patrol on Aug. 31, 2023, in the Coral Sea off Papua New Guinea. The U.S. Coast Guard was in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the PNG government to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard marine resources following the recent signing and ratification of a bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)