U.S. and Papua New Guinea strengthen maritime security and sustainability through historic patrol, deepening personal bonds along the way [Image 15 of 33]
Chief Petty Officer Jon Pangelinan of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) pilots the cutter as officers from the crew and Papua New Guinea Customs and the National Fisheries Authority conduct an observation report and collect information from a People’s Republic of China-flagged fishing vessel during a combined patrol on Aug. 27, 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)