- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Coast Guard Cutter Returns From 48-Day Oceania Patrol
The USCGC William Hart completed Operation Blue Pacific, strengthening partnerships and maritime security in the Pacific region.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:54pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart returned to Honolulu, Hawaii, after a 48-day patrol throughout Oceania as part of Operation Blue Pacific. During the patrol, the cutter's crew worked with Pacific Island partners to bolster maritime security, counter illicit activities, and protect marine resources. The William Hart crew conducted several vessel boardings, facilitated the signing of an annex to a bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement with Tonga, and engaged in community outreach.
Why it matters
Operation Blue Pacific is a key Coast Guard initiative to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in the Oceania region. By strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island nations and conducting maritime security operations, the Coast Guard helps maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, deters illegal activities, and supports the region's long-term stability and development.
The details
During the 48-day patrol, the USCGC William Hart crew traveled over 7,000 nautical miles, making port calls in Samoa, Cook Islands, American Samoa, Tonga, and Kiribati. They conducted a total of 14 vessel boardings, including 8 in partnership with local enforcement officers and 6 in American Samoa. In Tonga, the crew facilitated the signing of an annex to a 2009 bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement, significantly strengthening the security partnership between the U.S. and Tonga.
- The William Hart crew departed Coast Guard Base Honolulu in January 2026.
- The patrol lasted 48 days.
- The crew returned to Honolulu on March 15, 2026.
The players
USCGC William Hart
A 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cutter's primary missions are maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense.
Lt. Cmdr. Jason Helsabeck
The commanding officer of the USCGC William Hart, who led the crew on the 48-day patrol throughout Oceania.
Christopher Landau
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State who visited the William Hart crew in Tonga.
Fatafehi Fakafānua
The Prime Minister of Tonga who visited the William Hart crew and signed an annex to the 2009 bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement with the U.S.
What they’re saying
“This historic patrol advanced critical partnerships with Pacific Island nations, protecting valuable marine resources and strengthening U.S. Coast Guard presence throughout Oceania.”
— Lt. Cmdr. Jason Helsabeck, Commanding Officer, USCGC William Hart
What’s next
The Coast Guard plans to continue conducting regular patrols and operations in the Oceania region as part of Operation Blue Pacific to maintain a strong presence, build partnerships, and promote maritime security and prosperity.
The takeaway
The successful 48-day patrol of the USCGC William Hart demonstrates the Coast Guard's commitment to strengthening regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. By working closely with Pacific Island partners, the Coast Guard is helping to protect vital marine resources, deter illicit activities, and advance U.S. interests in the strategically important Oceania region.
