US Coast Guard Cutter Returns to Boost Samoa’s efforts against Transnational Crime and Maritime Security
2026-02-13 - 22:09
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart returned to Samoa February 6-10 to support Samoa’s efforts to counter transnational crime, enhance maritime awareness, and protect fisheries and other natural resources. USCGC William Hart was last in Samoa in May 2025. Three years ago in February 2023 US Coast Guard Cutter William Hart conducted patrols around Samoa’s exclusive economic zone with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Ministry of Police. USCGC William Hart in Samoa, Feb 2023. The crew patrolled with Jennifer Laulu of MAF and and Taulafo Aperaamo of the Ministry of Police. This week, the crew of the fast response cutter USCGC William Hart (WPC 1134) conducted bilateral maritime law enforcement operations with a Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officer in Samoa’s exclusive economic zone. The ship’s crew, together with Celina Oliva, the Samoan Fisheries Assistant Officer-Offshore, completed three commercial fishing vessel boardings in the Samoan exclusive economic zone. During the boardings, officers conducted safety checks, documentation review, gear inspection and catch verification. No violations were identified. U.S. Embassy Apia Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki said the U.S. Coast Guard’s presence in the Pacific is rooted in longstanding partnerships and shared values. “The shiprider program allows U.S. and Samoan professionals to work side-by-side on the Cutter to counter transnational crime and protect fisheries.” Chinese New Year on 17 February 2026 at Taumeasina Island Resort. Book Now. Through bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements, the host nation determines vessel targeting for law enforcement boardings within their EEZ, identifies violations, and determines penalties and follow-on procedures. “These bilateral boardings demonstrate the strength of our partnership with Samoa and our mutual commitment to safeguarding critical resources,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Helsabeck, Commanding officer of the William Hart. “By working closely with Samoan fisheries officers, we strengthened maritime law enforcement across the region, deterring illegal fishing activity and upholding security and stability.” The crew of the USCGC William Hart is deployed in support of Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavor to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in the Pacific. Coast Guard cutters, aircrew and personnel deploy throughout the Pacific to maintain unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime domain for all nations, improve regional stability, and solidify the Coast Guard as a reliable partner for maritime safety, security, and stewardship in the Pacific. The William Hart is the third 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter homeported in Honolulu. The cutter’s primary missions are maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense. USCGC William Hart was last in Samoa in May 2025.