Members from the U.S. Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard recently teamed up on a joint law-enforcement exercise in the Philippine Sea, the U.S. agency announced.
“This exercise reaffirms our long-standing alliance and assures our two coast guards operate seamlessly together,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area. “Together we are committed to safeguarding mariners at sea, preventing destructive illegal fishing and smuggling, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
USCG Cutter Kimball and Japan Coast Guard Ship Akitsushima worked with helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles to prepare for intercepting foreign ships possibly conducting illegal activity within Japanese waters.
"These illegal activities, such as illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, can have a major impact on the fragile marine ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific region," said Capt. Holly Harrison, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball. "We always benefit from and enjoy working with our Japan Coast Guard partners as it enhances our collective ability to respond to any number of maritime threats and challenges."
