On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, the Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) transited into the Black Sea in support of NATO Allies and partners, U.S. Navy reports.
Hamilton is 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, USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716) sailed to the Black Sea twice, in 2008 and 1995.
According to the U.S. Navy, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) conducted Black Sea operations on a routine patrol to maintain maritime security alongside other NATO Allies and partners in March 2021. This patrol comes after Hamilton conducted logistics visits to Naples, Italy and Rota, Spain.
“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 Sixth Fleet routinely conducts operations in the Black Sea. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, and security and stability in Europe and Africa,” the statement reads.
Hamilton heads to the Black Sea after an exercise with the destroyer USS Roosvelt in the Aegean Sea, the U.S. Navy tweeted.