U.S. Coast Guard Ships Visit Pakistan
By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
| October 09, 2022
MANAMA, Bahrain --
Two U.S. Coast Guards ships visited Karachi, Pakistan, for a scheduled port call Oct. 6-9.
Fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) visited as part of an ongoing series of joint exercises and technical exchanges between U.S. 5th Fleet and the Pakistan Navy.
“We are extremely excited to visit Pakistan as we build our relationship in a very dynamic region,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Eric Helgen, commodore for Patrol Forces Southwest Asia.
The U.S. Coast Guard ships are forward-deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure maritime security and stability across the Middle East. The port visit reflects the strong partnership between the Pakistan Navy and U.S. 5th Fleet, said Helgen.
“Our ties are strong and enduring, built on staff exchanges and joint exercises to enhance coordination and cooperation,” said Helgen. “Many U.S. Navy ships have visited Pakistan over the years, which reflects the continued strong relationship and cooperation between Pakistan and the U.S.”
While in Karachi, U.S. Coast Guardsmen met with Pakistan Navy counterparts on subjects related to maritime security. They also visited the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and played soccer and volleyball with teams from the Pakistan Naval Academy.
Pakistan is a member of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the world’s largest maritime partnership. CMF is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. 5th Fleet, and consists of 34 member-nations whose forces operate in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean.