NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain –
The Legend-class national security cutter (NSC) USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753), the flagship of the Coast Guard’s fleet, with the Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142), completed a stop for fuel at Naval Station Rota, April 14, 2021.
After a two-week transit across the Atlantic Ocean, the cutters arrived in-port to resupply, before continuing to conduct operations in U.S. Sixth Fleet.
“Our operations with the U.S. Coast Guard demonstrate U.S. commitment to provide stability from the open ocean to littoral, ensuring the free flow of commerce and open sea lanes across the maritime,” said Rear Adm. Anthony Carullo, U.S. Sixth Fleet director of maritime operations. “The Coast Guard is a critical partner in the U.S. Tri-Service Maritime Strategy, working with both the Navy and Marine Corps teams to provide layered security, alongside our NATO Allies and partners, across the European and African waterways.”
The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in U.S. Sixth Fleet area, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness and sharing best practices with partner nation Navies and Coast Guards.
“Operating with U.S. Sixth Fleet will foster unity of effort to secure unfettered access to the maritime domain,” said Capt. Timothy Cronin, captain of USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753). “Our goal is to promote a strong global network of maritime partnerships and expand the Sixth Fleet’s military advantage at sea.”
U.S. Coast Guard forward deployed presence demonstrates our continued commitment to maritime security and stability in Europe and Africa. In 2019 and 2020, Coast Guard cutters operated in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, supporting U.S. Africa Command during operations and exercises, like Africa Partnership Station. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard routinely operate together to conduct training, exercises, and maritime security operations
Hamilton is the fourth ship in its class. The Legend-class is the largest current cutter class of the U.S. Coast Guard. These vessels support various missions, including environmental protection, search and rescue, fisheries, port security, counterterrorism, law enforcement, drug interdiction, defense operations, and other military operations.