Port Blair, March 7: The United States Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf entered Port Blair harbour on 07 Mar 24, after covering more than 16,000 Kms, for a joint exercise with Indian Coast Guard. On arrival the USCG ship was formally welcomed by Inspector General Neraj Tiwari, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region, Andaman & Nicobar on behalf of DG Rakesh Pal, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard.

This port visit and exercise signify the growing maritime partnership between the two nations. The Bertholf's visit will provide an opportunity for both Coast Guards to strengthen their working relationship and enhance interoperability in areas of mutual interest, including maritime domain awareness, Search and Rescue operations and enforcement of maritime law.

USCG Ship, Bertholf is a Legend-class cutter, one of the most technologically advanced vessels in the U.S Coast Guard fleet. It is armed with a medium-caliber deck gun, a helicopter landing pad and a robust suite of sensors and communications equipment. The Indian Coast Guard is also deploying several of its own ships and aircraft for the exercise.

This is not the first time the U.S and Indian Coast Guards have conducted joint exercises. In September 2022, the USCG Cutter Midgett visited Chennai and participated in Exercise Abhyas with the Indian Coast Guard.

During the visit the crew of USCG Bertholf will interact with ICG to foster international cooperation, building mutual trust and friendship between two world class professional maritime security agencies. A sea exercise is also planned during the visit which involves mutual capacity building on Search and Rescue, Pollution Response and maritime security front. The visit and exercises are a testament to the growing cooperation between the two countries on maritime security issues.