PORT KLANG (Malaysia), March 1 (Bernama) — In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indo-Pacific, the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC), Bertholf (WMSL-750), is playing a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration.
Under the command of Captain William L. Mees, the 418-foot long US vessel, which carries about 170 people on board, is docked for the very first time in Port Klang from today until March 4 (Monday).
It was part of professional exchanges with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to improve the maritime capabilities of both countries.
Mees said the US coast guard endeavours to strengthen relationships with partner nations to build a more stable, free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific with unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime commons while advancing existing rules-based, international order and solidifying the US as a reliable strategic partner for maritime safety, security, and prosperity in the region.
“As a trusted partner, the USCGC is proud to operate with MMEA and conduct professional exchanges to improve the maritime capabilities of both countries,” he said to members of the media at the USCGC Bertholf Media Tour in Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) today.
He added that by partnering with MMEA, the US Coast Guard seeks to strengthen global maritime governance to preserve sovereignty, share information to facilitate force-multiplying partnerships, and demonstrate professional standards of behaviour to reinforce the rules of law at sea.
Meanwhile, when asked by a reporter about the most dramatic experience he has had commanding the ship, Mees replied: “I think the most dramatic experience for me and my crew was navigating through Singapore and the Malacca Straits. I think we have encountered thousands of vessels that average from 800 to 1,300 feet.
“But it really shows that this area is really the epicentre of world wide commerce. So having navigate through there in these past few days really emphasises how important this location is and for the rest of the world,” he said.
The USCGC Bertholf was build in Mississippi, US, was first deployed for active duty back in 2006, and is currently deployed for duty every four months.
The ship is named after Commodore Ellsworth Price Bertholf, the US Coast Guards’ First Commandant, who was born in 1866.
— BERNAMA
