USCGC Myrtle Hazard observes Papua New Guinea Independence Day in Lae
Petty Officer 2nd Class Fatima Maestro of the USCGC Myrtle Hazard takes a moment for a photo with locals during an observance of Papua New Guinea's Independence Day in Lae, Papua New Guinea, on Sept. 16, 2023, while on a 46-day expeditionary patrol in the Pacific, strengthening ties and security with regional partners. The recent patrol operation specifically supported the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency's annual Operation Island Chief at the outset of the patrol and the broader U.S. Coast Guard's Operation Blue Pacific, further solidifying the U.S. commitment to resource security and regional stability. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Fatima Maestro)