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(From left) U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton Commanding Officer Captain Brian Krautler, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan stand before the USCGC Stratton at the Puerto Princesa Port in Palawan on May 16. Other photo shows Carlson, Krautler, and Gavan being joined by USCG and PCG servicemembers on the bridge of the USCGC Stratton.
USCG, PCG strenthen bilateral ties, promote interoperability in Palawan activities
Puerto Princesa —The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton conducted a port visit in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from May 16 to 19.
During the visit, the USCGC Stratton’s crew participated in a series of engagements with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aimed at strengthening their bilateral partnership and promoting interoperability. These activities included technical consultations on operational best practices, engagements with the local community, and sports competitions.
Captain Brian Krautler, commanding officer of the USCGC Stratton, welcomed U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and other PCG personnel aboard for a tour of the vessel on May 16.
“The arrival of the USCGC Stratton is a moment of pride and possibility,” Ambassador Carlson said. “This is the sixth USCG cutter exchange with the PCG since 2019—a testament to the strength of our bond and the enduring value of our Alliance. These engagements are a priority as they enhance our interoperability and deepen the trust that defines our maritime partnership.”
Two PCG personnel joined the USCGC Stratton’s weeklong transit from Guam as part of the United States’ efforts to provide PCG personnel with training opportunities while at sea. As observers, they participated in a range of training activities, including on deck operations, engineering drills, and vessel mooring.
Upon departing Puerto Princesa, the USCGC Stratton will conduct an at-sea exercise with the PCG and the Philippine Navy focused on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection in the Sulu Sea.
From the Philippines, the cutter will transit to Japan where it will participate in the second trilateral coast guard exercise between the United States, the Philippines, and Japan. The first trilateral maritime exercise was held off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan, in June 2023.
The USCGC Stratton is a 418-foot cutter operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations alongside regional allies and partners. The vessel is equipped with an unmanned aerial system and small boats that are deployed for various law enforcement and rescue operations.
