The US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton conducted joint at-sea boardings with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Sea Patrol within the RMI's exclusive economic zone from July 9 to 13. The patrol was part of Operation Blue Pacific, a campaign conducted by the US Coast Guard throughout the Oceania region.
Three law enforcement officers from the RMI Sea Patrol were embarked on the Stratton to provide a combined presence. The joint team conducted two boardings of commercial fishing vessels operating in the RMI's economic zone.
While no violations were initially reported from the boardings, the USCG stated that potential issues with the catch emerged later and required further inspection by RMI authorities.
Capt. Brian Krautler, the Stratton’s commanding officer, said the combined operations focused on deterring illicit maritime activity, specifically drug trafficking, fisheries offenses, and illegal migration.
The Stratton is a 418-foot Legend-class national security cutter homeported in Alameda, California.