USCGC Stratton Strengthens PH-US Maritime Ties in Palawan

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton made a strategic port call in Palawan from May 16 to 19, underscoring a growing maritime alliance between the United States and the Philippines.

During its visit, the USCGC Stratton’s crew held bilateral activities with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance interoperability, share operational best practices, and engage with the local community.

The 418-foot vessel, deployed under the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, docked at Puerto Princesa Port as part of a regional mission to deepen maritime security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

“This is the sixth USCG cutter exchange with the PCG since 2019—a testament to the strength of our bond and the enduring value of our alliance,” said U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson during a shipboard tour on May 16.

“These engagements are a priority as they enhance our interoperability and deepen the trust that defines our maritime partnership,” she added.

USCGC Stratton Commanding Officer Captain Brian Krautler welcomed Ambassador Carlson and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan aboard, along with PCG personnel, to showcase the ship’s capabilities.

Two PCG officers also joined the Stratton’s transit from Guam as part of a U.S.-led initiative to provide hands-on training to Philippine maritime forces.

The PCG observers participated in deck operations, vessel mooring, and engineering drills during their voyage.

The port visit concluded with a series of joint at-sea exercises involving the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in the Sulu Sea.

These exercises focused on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection — areas of growing importance amid regional security challenges.

Following its departure from the Philippines, the Stratton will proceed to Japan to take part in the second trilateral coast guard exercise between the U.S., Philippines, and Japan.

The inaugural trilateral drill was held in June 2023 off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan, signaling a new level of defense coordination among the three nations.

The Stratton is equipped with small boats and unmanned aerial systems and is tasked with a range of missions including counter-narcotics, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement.

Its deployment reaffirms Washington’s commitment to maritime stability in Southeast Asia as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.