The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton conducted a port visit on May 16 to 19 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan to participate in a series of activities with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen maritime partnership and bilateral relationship.
US Coast Guard cutter holds maritime activities with PCG in Palawan
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton conducts a port visit in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from May 16 to 19, 2025. (Photo from the US Embassy in Manila)
In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said the participation of USCGC Stratton’s crew in PCG activities—including technical consultations on operational best practices, engagements with the local community, and sports competitions—will also promote interoperability.
“The arrival of the USCGC Stratton is a moment of pride and possibility,” US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay 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,” she added.
Carlson, along with USCG Cutter Stratton Commanding Officer Captain Brian Krautler and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, toured the USCG Cutter Stratton at the Puerto Princesa Port last May 16.
Two PCG personnel joined the USCGC Stratton’s week-long transit from Guam, during which the crew provided the PCG personnel with training opportunities, such as 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,” the embassy said.
After departure from the Philippine port, the cutter is scheduled to make its way to Japan to 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.
According to the embassy, the USCGC Stratton is a 418-foot cutter operating in the US 7th Fleet area of operations, which stretches across the Indo-Pacific region, including the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, alongside regional allies and partners.
The vessel is equipped with an unmanned aerial system and small boats that can be deployed for various law enforcement and rescue operations.