BLACK SEA –
The Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conducted at sea engagements with Romanian Navy Frigate Mărășești (F111) and Bulgarian corvette Bodri (BGS-14) in the Black Sea, May 13, 2021.
“Working alongside the Romanian and Bulgarian Navies was invaluable,” said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of Hamilton. “These exercises strengthen the United States relationship with our NATO allies and reinforces our commitment to ensuring freedom of movement within international waters for all nations in the Black Sea.”
The vessels executed passing and communications exercises, and flight operations, with the Hamilton’s MH-65 Dolphin helicopter detachment aircrew.
“Conducting hoisting operations with other navies is an amazing experience,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Mauricio. “There is a practicality to it, but being lowered onto their deck also allows for genuine face-to-face interaction that helps cement the friendship between our nations.”
The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in U.S. Sixth Fleet, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness and sharing best practices with partner nation Navies and Coast Guards.
Hamilton is the fourth national security cutter and is the fifth named for the father of the U.S. Coast Guard – Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and advocate for the creation of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.
The U.S. Coast Guard remains operational during COVID-19, following all COVID-19 safety precautions and regulations.
U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.