Port Blair, March 5: United States Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), a California-based National Security Cutter (NSC), is scheduled to arrive in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Thursday, March 7, 2024.

This arrival will mark the first time a U.S. Coast Guard cutter has visited Port Blair.

“The U.S. Coast Guard has a longstanding commitment to our allies and partners in India,” said Capt. Billy Mees, Bertholf’s commanding officer. “We are glad to be the first Coast Guard cutter to call on Port Blair and we truly look forward to the upcoming engagements that will allow us to advance our capabilities and interoperability through meaningful interactions with our likeminded partners who share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The crew of the Bertholf is on a mission to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific through cooperation and maritime domain awareness with the Indian Coast Guard.  The visit by the Bertholf is aimed at reiterating the 77 years of trusted partnership between the United States and India and strengthening the relationship between the United States and Indian Coast Guards.

In Sept. 2022, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) visited Chennai to expand cooperation between personnel.

The Bertholf is the largest and most technologically advanced of the U.S. Coast Guard’s newest classes of cutter.  These are the centerpiece of the fleet, capable of executing the most challenging operations, including supporting maritime homeland security and defense missions. The cutter has accommodations for 170 officers and enlisted members and can travel at speeds in excess of 25 knots.