RIGA, Latvia –
The Legend-class national security cutter (NSC) USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) arrived in Riga, Latvia for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 15, 2022.
This visit to Riga is the latest demonstration of the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to working with like-minded nations in the Baltic Sea region. Hamilton’s port call in Riga follows multiple U.S. ship visits to the port city in 2022, highlighting the close bonds between the United States and Latvia.
While in port, the crew will meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, host a reception onboard Hamilton for members of Latvian Navy and Coast Guard forces to honor their National Day and celebrate their hospitality. Furthermore, the crew will participate in site visits and professional exchanges with national forces to enhance interoperability and collaboration between the U. S. and Latvia.
“We are privileged and enthusiastic to share in the heritage of Latvia’s 104th National Day celebrations during our visit to the historic city of Riga,” said Capt. Matthew Brown, commanding officer of Hamilton. “Hamilton’s visit to Latvia reinforces collaboration between the United States and our NATO allies in the Baltic. The U.S. Coast Guard’s partnership with the Latvian Naval Forces furthers our collective desire to maintain for peace and security in the Baltic Sea.”
Prior to arriving in Riga, Hamilton conducted multiple operations with allies and partners in the Baltic Sea, including a series of at-sea engagements with Swedish, Finnish, Estonian and Lithuanian maritime and naval forces. The U.S. Coast Guard has been, and remains, a welcome presence and key contributor to maintaining maritime safety, security and stability in the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea.
Hamilton began its current deployment in October 2022. Since leaving the United States’ East Coast for deployment, the ship’s crew has advanced interoperability with allies and partners throughout the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as they continue to hone their maritime proficiency. The U.S. Coast Guard is a member of the Joint Force, a key and always-ready instrument to further national security objectives globally. The service builds unique partnerships thanks to its wide suite of specialized maritime capabilities, competencies and authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s forward-deployed presence demonstrates the continued commitment to maritime security and stability in Europe and Africa. Since 2019, Coast Guard cutters have operated in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating NAVEUR’s commitment and collective defense of the European region. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard operate forward, from the littoral to the open ocean, ensuring stability and open sea lanes across all maritime domains.
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.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.