The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) conducted operations and exercises with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency and coast guard — known as Bakamla — in the Singapore Strait on September 20, 2021.

The crew of the US Coast Guard and Bakamla participated in ship-to-ship communications drills, multi-unit maneuvering, and maritime domain awareness while at sea, according to a written statement issued by the US Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.

“These maritime exercises with our Indonesian partners forge a stronger relationship, allowing our respective crews to work together and build on each other’s strengths,” said Munro’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Blake Novak.

“Strengthening our alliances and partnerships fosters our unified commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and promotes peace, security, prosperity, and the sovereign rights of all nations,” Noval stated.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s partnership with Indonesia has continued to grow stronger, he said.

In 2019, the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton conducted engagements with Bakamla as part of the Western Pacific deployment, including a port call in Batam and an exercise in the Riau Islands Province. The Stratton also participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training with the Indonesian Navy in 2019, according to the press statement.

Munro, a 418-foot national security cutter, left its homeport of Alameda, California in July for a months-long deployment to the Western Pacific, Novak said.

Operating under the tactical control of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, the cutter and crew are engaging in professional exchanges and capacity-building exercises with partner nations and patrolling and conducting operations as directed, he added.

National security cutters like Munro feature advanced command and control capabilities, aviation support facilities, stern cutter boat launch, and increased endurance for long-range patrols, enabling the crew to disrupt threats to national security further offshore, he said.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is proud to operate with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency and coast guard to enhance capabilities, strengthen maritime governance, security and promote rules-based international order,” said Vice Adm. Michael F. McAllister, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard for the Pacific Area.

“Strengthening partnerships contributes to the region’s maritime common good in search and rescue, law enforcement, marine environmental response, and other areas of mutual interest,” McAllister added.

Source: Antara News