U.S. Coast Guard Returns To Bermuda
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch arrived in Bermuda on Monday, May 27, as part of ongoing operations in concert with the Bermuda Government, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Coast Guard Unit, and Bermuda Police Services.
A spokesperson said, “The U.S. Coast Guard has a multifaceted mandate, including to protect environment and living marine resources against illegal, unreported and unregulated [IUU] fishing and conduct counternarcotics operations. On Wednesday, May 28, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch welcomed members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment onboard for a professional exchange opportunity.”
“Our two services share a strong bond in our service culture of pride and professionalism, which provides a strong foundation for strengthening this relationship,” said Lieutenant Commander Joseph Petry, Commanding Officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch. “We look forward to future engagements to further this partnership which can serve as a force multiplier for shared goals in maritime governance.”
following the professional exchange, the crew hosted U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette, Deputy Governor Tom Oppenheim, and Development Officer of the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps Sam Bennett for a special tour of the ship and discussions about collective efforts to advance the long-standing U.S. Bermuda partnership.
“It was an honor to welcome the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch and its crew back to Bermuda to support the close U.S.-Bermuda security partnership,” said U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette. “I was delighted to reengage with the officers and crew who were here for operations last year. Our security partnership continues to expand the United States’ strategic partnership with Bermuda and increases our interoperability,” she continued.
Deputy Governor Tom Oppenheim added, “It is always of benefit to compare approaches and practice skills between the RBR Coastguard and international partners. We are delighted that the U.S. Coast Guard continues to view Bermuda as a valued partner in international attempts to counter illegal and unregulated fishing.”
A Royal Bermuda Regiment spokesperson noted, “Having worked with the Rollin Fritch last year, it was great to see some familiar faces amongst its crew. These exchanges are always productive, and this one in particular focused on exchanging ideas in relation to the equipment and techniques we each use in the counter narcotics role.”
Lieutenant Commander Joseph Petry expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Consulate, Government House, and the Government of Bermuda for their continued support of U.S. Coast Guard engagement in Bermuda and stated, “The U.S. Consulate and Government of Bermuda have been tremendous in their support and helped to arrange this wonderful port visit for the crew. I speak for the crew and myself in expressing my gratitude to the great people of Bermuda for their kind and gracious hospitality during our visit. This is my last deployment before changing assignments and passing Command to my relief and cannot envision a greater last port visit for my time onboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch.”
The spokesperson said, “The Sentinel-class fast response cutter is a key component of the Coast Guard’s offshore fleet that is capable of deploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense.”
