The visit aims to strengthen relations with the Vietnam Coast Guard and other Vietnamese maritime law enforcement agencies.
At the welcoming ceremony, Colonel Nguyen Duc Hieu, Deputy Commander for Legal Affairs of Coast Guard Region 3 Command, described the visit as a practical contribution to strengthening friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the two countries’ maritime law enforcement forces.
Captain Andrew Pate, Commanding Officer of the USCGC Bertholf, said the vessel’s presence in Ho Chi Minh City reflects the United States' long-standing commitment to its partnership with Vietnam. The US and Vietnam work closely together to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, he said, adding the cooperation helps Vietnam strengthen its capacity to safeguard its maritime sovereignty and protect its sovereign rights.
The crew looks forward to exploring the city and its dynamic culture, as well as engaging in professional exchanges with the Vietnam Coast Guard, Pate said.
The USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750) is a Legend-class maritime security cutter, measuring 127 meters in length with an operational range of 12,000 nautical miles. The vessel is designed for missions, including maritime border security patrols, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and support for national defense activities at sea.
