The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) has arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, as part of the Bilateral Shiprider Agreement. This visit involves boarding Papua New Guinean officials to conduct joint maritime patrols aimed at enhancing maritime security and addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.
The presence of the Midgett underscores the U.S. Coast Guard's commitment to fostering deeper relations with Pacific Island nations and maintaining regional stability. This operation marks the first instance of a Legend-class national security cutter conducting bilateral maritime law enforcement operations within Papua New Guinea’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The existing bilateral agreement facilitating this was signed in May 2023.
These joint patrols serve as a practical demonstration of the bilateral agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea. They aim to strengthen maritime governance in the Pacific and deter illegal activities within Papua New Guinea’s EEZ, promoting sustainable marine resource use.
Commissioned in 2019 and homeported in Honolulu, the Midgett is a 418-foot vessel equipped with advanced technology suited for various missions including maritime security, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. The deployment of Midgett to Oceania reflects the United States' ongoing commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and resilient Pacific Islands region.