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A long-range intercept boat from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) approaches a Republic of Singapore Navy vessel during a boarding exercise conducted off the coast of Singapore, Feb. 29, 2024. The boarding exercise provided members from both services an opportunity to collaborate on best practices for at-sea evolutions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) and its long-range intercept (LRI) boat, transit alongside the Guardian, a Republic of Singapore Navy vessel, off the coast of Singapore, Feb. 29, 2004. This at-sea formation promotes multilateral partnerships and advances interoperability. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) leads a formation while transiting with the Guardian, a Republic of Singapore Navy vessel, as the ships transit off the coast of Singapore, Feb. 29, 2004. The at-sea transit provided members from both services an opportunity to collaborate on best practices for at-sea evolutions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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A member of the Singapore Police Coast Guard speaks with Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), as the cutter transits next to Horsburgh Lighthouse, a crucial navigation aid near the Singapore Straits, Feb. 28, 2024. The crew of the Bertholf is deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to advance relationships with ally and partner nations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Members from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Republic of Singapore Navy, and Singapore Police Coast Guard stand with Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), as the cutter transits next to two lighthouses defining the maritime borders of Malaysia and Singapore, Feb. 28, 2024. The crew of the Bertholf is on a several-month deployment to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), speaks with Mr. Jonathan Kaplan, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, and Rear Adm. Mark Melson, commander, logistics Western Pacific, during a tour of the bridge while the cutter was moored in Singapore, Feb. 27, 2024. The crew of the Bertholf is on a several-month deployment to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Mr. Jonathan Kaplan, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, speaks to crewmembers from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) after completing a tour of the cutter while it was moored in Singapore, Feb. 27, 2024. The crew of the Bertholf is on a several-month deployment to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Cmdr. Leah Cole, executive officer, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), speaks with her counterpart, the executive officer of the Republic of Singapore naval ship, Guardian, while the Bertholf was moored at Changi Naval Base, Feb. 27, 2024. The Navy crewmembers came aboard the Bertholf for a brief tour and to enjoy lunch with the crew. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Crewmembers from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) stand with individuals from the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Singapore Police Coast Guard, after completing a tour aboard the cutter while it was moored in Singapore on Feb. 27, 2024. The Bertholf is a National Security Cutter and can carry a crew of up to 170 people. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), speaks with Mr. Jonathan Kaplan, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, during a meeting aboard the cutter while it was moored in Singapore, Feb. 27, 2024. Bertholf is deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to advance relationships with ally and partner nations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), speaks during a meeting with Republic of Singapore Navy and the Singapore Police Coast Guard at the Changi Naval Base, Feb. 26, 2024. The meeting focused on how the United States and Singapore can foster collaborative partnerships through professional and at-sea engagements. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
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Ens. Tyler Ma, a crewmember from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), stands with two members of the Republic of Singapore Navy following a ceremony at the Changi Navy Base in Singapore on Feb. 26, 2024. Following the ceremony, crews from both the Bertholf and the Republic of Singapore Navy socialized about their experiences in their respective sea-going services. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)
/ Published March 12, 2024
SINGAPORE – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) departed Singapore on February 28, following a four day port call to conduct capacity building engagements with like-minded partners during a Western Pacific deployment.
During the port call, the crew of the Bertholf participated in multiple professional engagements and training exercises with members of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG), and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
These engagements provided opportunities to learn from partner nations, deepen partnerships through dialogue, and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
After departing, Bertholf’s crew conducted at-sea exercises and subject matter expert exchanges with the RSN, PCG and MMEA, to include a group sail through the Malacca Strait.
Bertholf crew and the RSN Maritime and Security Response Vessel (MSRV) Guardian conducted a boarding exercises, maneuvering drills, and communication exercises in international waters in the southern reaches of the South China Sea.
During the at-sea engagements, Bertholf embarked members of the RSN, Singapore PCG and MMEA ship riders to observe Bertholf’s operations.
“The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf is proud to work with the Republic of Singapore Navy the Singapore Police Coast Guard and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency - trusted partners here in Southeast Asia,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Billy Mees, commanding officer of the Bertholf. “Over the past few days, we have strengthened these bonds with a range of professional and at-sea engagements, including having several shipriders accompany the Bertholf during our transit through the Malacca Strait. These events reinforce our partnerships and allow us to collaborate on best practices.”
Bertholf operates in support of United States Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees military operations in the region.
Operating under the tactical control of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, the cutter crew conducts capacity building and subject matter expert exchanges with regional partners and allies during their Western Pacific deployments.
The U.S. Coast Guard has a 150-year enduring role in the Indo-Pacific. The Service’s ongoing deployment of resources to the region supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives as part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the National Security Strategy.
Since 2019, Coast Guard Cutters Bertholf (WMSL 750), Midgett (WMSL 757), Stratton (WMSL 751), Waesche (WMSL 751), Kimball (WMSL 756), and Munro (WMSL 755) have all deployed to the Western Pacific.
Commissioned in 2008, Bertholf is the first legend-class national security cutter and is homeported in Alameda, Calif. National security cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement.
Bertholf is named for Commodore Ellsworth P. Bertholf, fourth commandant of the Revenue Cutter Service and the Coast Guard.
