The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) pulled into Puerto Princesa October 14, for Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama following operations in the Yellow Sea where the crew supported United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) enforcement against illicit ship-to-ship transfers that violate sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The operations are a part of the United States’ ongoing contribution to international efforts in combatting DPRK’s maritime sanctions evasion activity. Ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and goods, like coal, going to and from DPRK are prohibited under the UNSCR.
Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is moored in Puerto Princesa, Philippines Oct. 14, 2019. Operating under the tactical control of Commander, 7th Fleet, the cutter plans to engage in professional exchanges and capacity building with the Philippine Coast Guard over the course of this week. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Nate Littlejohn, Released)
Stratton personnel captured imagery of suspected illicit ship-to-ship transfers and conducted routine activities to detect, deter, and disrupt activities in violation of UNSCR.
Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama is a maritime exercise designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain, and strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance maritime interoperability. This is the first year the Japanese Maritime Defense Force will participate alongside U.S. and Philippine navy counterparts.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Garrett Woodruff, an electronics technician aboard Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, is on deck for a close-in weapons system exercise aboard the cutter in the Yellow Sea Sept. 25, 2019. The Stratton was in the Yellow Sea as part of a United Nations Security Council Relations patrol. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Nate Littlejohn)
The exercise will consist of both shore-based and at-sea activities designed to allow participating navies to advance the complex maritime training utilizing diverse naval platforms and operating areas.
The U.S. Coast Guard has an enduring role in the Indo-Pacific, going back over 150 years. The service’s ongoing deployment of resources to the region directly supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives in the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the National Security Strategy.
Ens. Olivia Calabro, landing signal officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, relays communications to the pilot house after an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter crew from USS Carl Brashear landed on Stratton’s flight deck to deliver supplies in the South China Sea Oct. 12, 2019. The Stratton was on a United Nations Security Council Relations patrol as a part of the United States’ ongoing contribution to international efforts in combatting Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s maritime sanctions evasion activity. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Nate Littlejohn)
As both a federal law enforcement agency and an armed force, the U.S. Coast Guard is uniquely positioned to support combatant commanders on all seven continents. The service routinely provides forces in joint military operations worldwide, including the deployment of cutters, boats, aircraft and deployable specialized forces.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew deployed aboard Coast Guard Cutter Stratton conducts operations in the Yellow Sea Oct. 3, 2019. The Stratton was on a United Nations Security Council Relations patrol as a part of the United States’ ongoing contribution to international efforts in combatting North Korea’s maritime sanctions evasion activity. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Nate Littlejohn)
“All of Stratton’s operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows,” said Capt. Bob Little, Stratton’s commanding officer. “That is as true in the South and East China Seas, as in other places around the globe. Our efforts in support of enforcing U.N. Security Council Resolutions in the Yellow Sea demonstrate that commitment.”
This press release was originally published by the U.S. Coast Guard.
