U.S. and Papua New Guinea strengthen maritime security and sustainability through historic patrol, deepening personal bonds along the way
Rudolph Ihua from Papua New Guinea's National Fisheries Authority (center) and Seaman Fox of the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) (left) fill out forms while Troy Kuva of Papua New Guinea Customs looks on as the team conducts an observation report and collects information from a People's Republic of China-flagged fishing vessel in 7 to 10-foot seas during a combined patrol on Aug. 25, 2023, in the Coral Sea off Papua New Guinea. The U.S. Coast Guard was in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the PNG government to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard marine resources following the recent signing and ratification of a bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)