U.S. and Papua New Guinea strengthen maritime security and sustainability through historic patrol, deepening personal bonds along the way [Image 20 of 33]
The crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) celebrates the recent promotion of Lt. Nathan Thavaran of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as they conduct the second leg of a combined patrol on Aug. 31, 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)