Cutter Kimball's Indo-Pacific Counter-Illegal Patrol by U.S.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Fisher
March 3, 2021
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL-756) concluded a successful
two week expeditionary patrol in support of counter-illegal,
unreported and unregulated fisheries enforcement, furthering the
United States’ commitment to regional security and partnerships.
As part of Operation Blue Pacific, the crew of the Kimball
deployed in support of national security goals of stability and
security throughout the Indo-Pacific; the crew of the Kimball
remains prepared to utilize training in targeted and
intelligence-driven enforcement actions as well as counter predatory
irresponsible maritime behavior.
While patrolling
approximately 3,600 miles in the Philippine Sea, the Kimball’s law
enforcement team conducted its first ever at-sea boarding and
expanded on the multilateral fisheries enforcement co-operations such
as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
 While patrolling approximately 3,600 miles in the Philippine Sea, the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball’s law enforcement team conducted its first ever at-sea boarding
on Feb. 10, 2021. As part of Operation Blue Pacific, the crew of the Kimball deployed in support of national security goals of stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball)
|
The
WCPFC is an international body made up of 43 nations and
international organizations. Members agree to allow the 13 countries
in the pact to board and record any potential violations on their
nationally flagged vessels. The findings go to the WCPFC, who
notifies the vessel's flag state of the suspected infraction for
further investigation.
“Our presence in the area shows our
partners the Coast Guard’s enduring efforts to provide search and
rescue response and oversight of important economic resources,” said
Lt. Cmdr. Drew Cavanagh, operations officer for the Kimball. “The
ongoing presence of a Coast Guard cutter in this part of the Pacific
to assist in determining compliance with conservation management
measures established by the WCPFC demonstrates the U.S. commitment
to the region and our partners."
The Coast Guard combats
illegal fishing and other maritime threats across the Pacific to
protect the United States and Pacific Island Countries resource
security and sovereignty. Combating illegal fishing is part of
promoting maritime governance and a rules-based international order
that is essential to a free and open Oceania.
 While patrolling approximately 3,600 miles in the Philippine Sea, the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball’s law enforcement team conducted its first ever at-sea boarding
as the detained crew watches the team's inspection on, Feb. 10, 2021. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball)
|
While on
patrol, the Kimball was briefly diverted to assist in a search and
rescue case in the Federated States of Micronesia where they
utilized a small unmanned aircraft system, or sUAS. Use of sUAS
expands maritime domain awareness and provides persistent airborne
surveillance on maritime hazards, threats, and rescue operations.
“Training is also an important component of underway time
and affects our readiness,” Lt. j. G. Joseph Fox, assistant combat
systems officer for the Kimball. “The team conducted law enforcement
training as well as disabled vessel towing training for our newest
crewmembers.”
The Kimball is one of the newest national
security cutters to be homeported in Honolulu. These
technologically-advanced ships are 418 feet long, 54 feet wide and
have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess
of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90
days and can accommodate a crew of up to 150.
Advanced
command-and-control capabilities and an unmatched combination of
range, speed and ability to operate in extreme weather enable these
ships to confront national security threats, strengthen maritime
governance, support economic prosperity, and promote individual
sovereignty.
Coast
Guard Gifts |
Coast Guard
| U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
|
|