U.S. and Papua New Guinea strengthen maritime security and sustainability through historic patrol, deepening personal bonds along the way
Members of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) and an officer from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force transit aboard the over-the-horizon boat for fisheries boarding on a People’s Republic of China-flagged fishing vessel during a combined patrol on Sept. 1, 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)