USCGC Hamilton Concludes Operations with U.S. Navy 6th Fleet

The Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) arrives in Valletta, Malta for a port visit May 17, 2021. Hamilton is in Valletta following at-sea engagements with the armed forces of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. COAST GUARD

MEDITERRANEAN SEA — The Legend-class national security USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) transited out of the Mediterranean Sea, concluding the crew’s recent operations in the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet’s area of responsibility, May 24, 2021, the Coast Guard Atlantic Area said in a May 25 release. 

Hamilton entered the Mediterranean Sea on April 15 and the Black Sea on April 27 to support NATO Allies and partners. Hamilton was the first U.S. Coast Guard Cutter to visit the Black Sea since 2008. The last U.S. Coast Guard cutter to visit the Black Sea was USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716) and sailed to the Black Sea twice, in 2008 and 1995. 

Since leaving the Black Sea on May 14, Hamilton’s crew visited Valletta, Malta, and conducted engagements at sea with the armed forces of Malta. They also conducted a brief logistics stop in Rota, Spain, on May 23. 

“By operating with 6th Fleet, we expand the Coast Guard’s global reach and advance our Nation’s Tri-Service Maritime Strategy,” said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753). “This deployment also reinforced our commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters while building capacity and partnerships with nations that have shared interests and threats in the maritime domain.” 

After departing North Charleston, South Carolina, on Feb. 28, the crew of Hamilton stopped in Puerto Rico and then headed toward Rota, with two Sentinel-class fast response cutters, USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142). After escorting the fast response cutters and departing Spain, Hamilton then visited Italy, Georgia, Ukraine and Malta. The crew conducted various operational exercises with the maritime components of each country and Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria. 

“The relationships we build are fundamental for establishing maritime safety and security worldwide,” said Lt. Cmdr. Taylor Kellogg, operations officer of USCGC Hamilton. “Working together with our NATO allies and partners, we advance the rule of law on the sea, ensuring free and open access to the maritime domain.” 

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. U.S. Coast Guard operations in U.S. 6th Fleet demonstrate the service’s commitment, flexibility, and capability to operate and address security concerns throughout Europe and Africa. 

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in U.S. Navy 6th Fleet, working alongside allies, building maritime domain awareness and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards. 

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