July 16, 2026

Coast Guard transitions Expeditionary Cutter Squadron to enhance operational capabilities

USCGC Charles Moulthrope rides at anchor in the Gulf of Tadjoura in Djibouti enroute assignment to the Patrol Force Southwest Asia on May 13, 2021. U.S. Navy | Petty Officer 1st Class Randi Brown.
image_pdf
U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard

GULF OF TADJOURA (May 13, 2021) A 34-foot Dauntless-class patrol boat assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eleven (MESRON-11) keeps watch over Charles Moulthrope, Coast Guard Patrol Craft (WPC 1141) and Robert Goldman (WPC 1142), Coast Guard Sentinel-class cutters (USCGC) during their at-sea refueling in the Gulf of Tadjoura on May 13, 2021. Task Group 68.6, based at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti provides port and harbor security, high-value asset protection, and maritime security operations in coastal waterways of the Gulf of Tadjoura. The Task Group includes MSRON-11, the security boat squadron and EOD Platoon 8-2-1, which sweeps the port for explosives as needed. Both units are supported by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Charles Moulthrope and Robert Goldman are traveling to their new forward-deployed homeport in Bahrain to replace decommissioning island-class patrol boats as part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). As per the SECNAV Memo of 4 March 2021, the use of masks aboard the patrol boats is relaxed due to the high-risk nature of operations, specifically in this photo the need for clear, audible and unrestricted visualization of verbal communication required for safe and effective operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Randi Brown)

WASHINGTON — The United States Coast Guard transitioned its Expeditionary Cutter Squadron (ECS), historically called Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), to operate in the Western Pacific conducting maritime security operations and cooperative maritime activities with allies and partner nations in the region, in response to national security requirements. 

The Expeditionary Cutter Squadron will be capable of performing missions as part of the U.S. Joint Force. The squadron is currently operating in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations to protect the homeland and maritime approaches including Guam and the Pacific Islands. 

For more than 20 years, the Coast Guard has provided forward-deployed capabilities to support U.S. Central Command and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command from Bahrain. The unit has successfully executed maritime security, maritime interdiction, and maritime domain awareness missions throughout the Middle East.  

“Coast Guard forces have always adapted to meet urgent national needs,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard. “The Expeditionary Cutter Squadron enhances the Coast Guard’s ability to deploy our forces in support of Combatant Commanders and national security objectives. Our expeditionary cutter forces provide Combatant Commands with uniquely capable maritime assets, leveraging the Coast Guard’s military and law enforcement authorities to advance U.S. national security objectives in the Western Pacific and Western Hemisphere.” 

Expeditionary Cutter Squadron forces will integrate with U.S. Combatant Commands to conduct exercises and maritime cooperative activities that enhance interoperability, strengthen strategic partnerships and advance shared security objectives throughout the region.  The transition of the Expeditionary Cutter Squadron reflects the Coast Guard’s intent to provide agile, capable, and responsive maritime forces. These forces will rapidly support national security objectives across a range of operational theaters while leveraging the Service’s unique authorities.