US cutter joins Fiji fight against maritime crime

A United States Coast Guard cutter has arrived in Suva to support Fiji’s efforts to combat illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak will conduct bilateral “ship rider” operations with Fiji, strengthening maritime law enforcement and security cooperation between the two countries.

The U.S. Embassy in Suva said the cutter’s 24-member crew would work alongside Fiji during the operations.

The focus will be on maritime security and tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

The embassy said the cooperation would help address threats to Fiji’s sovereignty and economy while contributing to regional stability.

Operation Blue Pacific

The visit is part of Operation Blue Pacific, a U.S. Coast Guard initiative aimed at promoting security, safety and economic prosperity across Oceania.

The 154-foot Joseph Gerczak is a Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter and the 26th cutter built in its class.

It is the second cutter of its class to be homeported in Honolulu.

Before arriving in Fiji, the cutter recently assisted the Republic of the Marshall Islands with maritime law enforcement operations.

The U.S. Embassy said continued cooperation between Fiji and the United States would help deter illegal activities and contribute to a free, open and prosperous Pacific.