The Guam-based United States Coast Guard cutter Myrtle Hazard operated for nearly 300 hours in June and July 2025 around the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as Palau. The crew patrolled maritime borders, enforced federal laws, and conducted bilateral operations with Palau to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing under the nations’ maritime law enforcement agreement.
Two officers from Palau’s Division of Marine Law embarked the Myrtle Hazard to conduct bilateral operations, including a boarding. The law enforcement deal helps the island nation monitor its exclusive economic zone and discourage illicit activity by enabling the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce maritime regulations on Palau’s behalf.
“Our close collaboration with our valued regional partners is instrumental in promoting a secure and prosperous Pacific,” said Lt. Emma Saunders, commanding officer of the Myrtle Hazard. “The dedication of our crew, combined with the strong teamwork displayed by Palau’s maritime officers, significantly enhanced our collective ability to safeguard these waters through cross-agency cooperation for a rules-based Pacific.”
In addition to patrolling in the Northern Marianas, the crew delivered navigation supplies to Marine Safety Unit Saipan. The U.S. Marine Corps unit ensures safety, security and environmental protection around the islands with initiatives including industry training and maritime operations.
The mission advanced the aims of operations Blue Pacific and Rematau to detect, deter and disrupt illegal activities while enhancing maritime domain awareness around U.S. and shared maritime borders. The crew bolstered readiness by qualifying personnel for positions including underway officer of the deck, boarding team member, boat engineer and deck-in-charge personnel.
Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin, maritime advisor for the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, emphasized the value of international partnerships. “Working hand in hand with Palau through the bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement deepens our ties and increases our shared capabilities,” he said.
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