U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett Engagement in Tuvalu: A Deep Dive into Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation

Introduction to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) stands as a pivotal asset in the maritime security domain, playing a crucial role in the Indo-Pacific region. Commissioned in 2019 and homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii, Midgett is the eighth vessel in the Legend-class National Security Cutters. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these advanced vessels are tailored for diverse missions, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and counter-piracy operations. Midgett’s deployment to Tuvalu in 2025 underscores the U.S. Coast Guard’s dedication to bolstering maritime security and fostering regional stability in the Pacific Islands region.

Objective and Scope of the Tuvalu Engagement

The primary goal of Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu was to undertake joint bilateral maritime law enforcement operations. These efforts were centered on tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a pressing concern in the region. The deployment featured three at-sea boardings, including two bilateral inspections within Tuvalu’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This initiative was part of a broader strategy to fortify maritime governance and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Activities and Achievements

Over the three-day operation, Midgett conducted three at-sea boardings, including two bilateral inspections within Tuvalu’s EEZ and one Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) high-seas inspection. Deploying the ScanEagle unmanned air system enhanced maritime domain awareness and supported the joint effort. These collaborative operations offered invaluable opportunities for both Tuvalu and U.S. Coast Guard personnel to share expertise, exchange best practices, and strengthen interoperability. Following the shiprider operations, Midgett hosted 13 distinguished visitors from Tuvalu, including representatives from the Fisheries Department, Maritime Police, and the Tuvalu government. Discussions emphasized the positive impact of the joint boardings, highlighting the significance of maritime security cooperation in the region.

“This operation was a tremendous success on multiple levels,” said Capt. Matthew Rooney, commanding officer of Midgett. “Not only did we collaborate with our partners in Tuvalu to execute critical maritime law enforcement operations, but the experience also provided invaluable training for our crew. From the deck plate level all the way up to command and control, integrating with our Tuvaluan counterparts was seamless and incredibly beneficial for all involved. We learned a great deal from each other, and this experience will undoubtedly pay dividends in future operations DVIDS.”

Strategic Importance of the Indo-Pacific Region

The Indo-Pacific region holds critical importance for global maritime security. Home to some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and a hub for international trade, the region is also a hotspot for IUU fishing, which threatens local fisheries and global food security. The U.S. Coast Guard’s engagement in Tuvalu is part of a broader effort to enhance maritime security and governance in the region. By partnering with nations like Tuvalu, the U.S. Coast Guard contributes to regional stability and prosperity.

Role of the U.S. Coast Guard in Regional Stability

The U.S. Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Through its operations, the Coast Guard works to deter and disrupt IUU fishing, protect maritime resources, and promote regional cooperation. The engagement in Tuvalu exemplifies the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to these objectives. By collaborating with regional partners, the Coast Guard helps to build capacity, share best practices, and enhance maritime governance in the region.

Significance of Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

IUU fishing poses a significant challenge in the Indo-Pacific region, undermining local fisheries and threatening global food security. The U.S. Coast Guard’s engagement in Tuvalu represents a critical effort to combat IUU fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management. By collaborating with regional partners, the Coast Guard helps to build capacity, share best practices, and enhance maritime governance.

Joint Bilateral Maritime Law Enforcement Operations

The joint bilateral maritime law enforcement operations conducted by Midgett and Tuvalu marked a significant milestone. These operations not only helped to disrupt IUU fishing but also provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system enhanced maritime domain awareness and supported the joint effort. These operations demonstrated the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and governance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Deployment of Advanced Technology: The ScanEagle Unmanned Air System

The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system was a key aspect of Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu. The ScanEagle is a state-of-the-art unmanned air system that provides enhanced maritime domain awareness. It allows the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor and track maritime activities in real-time, helping to deter and disrupt IUU fishing. The ScanEagle’s deployment in Tuvalu was a significant achievement, showcasing the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance maritime security.

Engagement Outcomes and Impact on Regional Security

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu had a profound impact on regional security. The joint operations helped to disrupt IUU fishing, build capacity, and enhance maritime governance. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system provided valuable insights into the use of advanced technology in maritime law enforcement. The engagement also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in promoting maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening U.S.-Tuvalu Relations

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu was a significant step in strengthening U.S.-Tuvalu relations. The operation provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system enhanced maritime domain awareness and supported the joint effort. The engagement also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in promoting maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu offered a significant opportunity for capacity building and knowledge exchange. The joint operations provided valuable insights into maritime law enforcement and governance. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system enhanced maritime domain awareness and supported the joint effort. The engagement also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in promoting maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Future Prospects for Continued Collaboration

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu highlighted the potential for continued collaboration between the U.S. Coast Guard and Tuvalu. The operation provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system enhanced maritime domain awareness and supported the joint effort. The engagement also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in promoting maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Advanced Features of the Legend-Class National Security Cutter

The Legend-class National Security Cutters, of which Midgett is a part, are equipped with advanced features that make them well-suited for a variety of missions. These features include state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, advanced sensor suites, and a range of onboard capabilities. The ScanEagle unmanned air system is just one example of the advanced technology available on these cutters. Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu highlighted the importance of these advanced features in enhancing maritime security and governance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Role of Technology in Modern Maritime Law Enforcement

Technology plays a critical role in modern maritime law enforcement. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system on Midgett was a testament to this. The system provided enhanced maritime domain awareness, helping to deter and disrupt IUU fishing. The engagement in Tuvalu highlighted the importance of leveraging advanced technology to enhance maritime security and governance in the region.

Innovative Approaches to Enhance Maritime Domain Awareness

Enhancing maritime domain awareness is a critical aspect of modern maritime law enforcement. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system on Midgett was an innovative approach to achieving this. The system provided real-time monitoring and tracking of maritime activities, helping to deter and disrupt IUU fishing. The engagement in Tuvalu highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to enhancing maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu provided valuable lessons and best practices for maritime law enforcement and governance. The joint operations highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. The deployment of the ScanEagle unmanned air system demonstrated the value of advanced technology in enhancing maritime domain awareness. The engagement also underscored the importance of leveraging these lessons and best practices to promote maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Policy Recommendations for Enhanced Maritime Governance

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu highlighted several policy recommendations for enhanced maritime governance in the Indo-Pacific region. These recommendations include strengthening regional cooperation, investing in advanced technology, and promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building. By implementing these recommendations, the region can enhance its maritime security and governance capabilities, helping to promote regional stability and prosperity.

The Way Forward: Sustaining and Expanding Regional Partnerships

Midgett’s engagement in Tuvalu underscored the importance of sustaining and expanding regional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. These partnerships are crucial for promoting maritime security and governance, combating IUU fishing, and enhancing regional stability. By continuing to build and strengthen these partnerships, the region can better address the challenges of maritime security and governance, helping to promote regional prosperity and stability.

The Bottom Line

The engagement of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett in Tuvalu was a significant achievement in maritime security and regional cooperation. The operation highlighted the importance of joint bilateral maritime law enforcement operations, advanced technology, and regional partnerships in promoting maritime security and governance in the Indo-Pacific region. By continuing to build on these successes, the U.S. Coast Guard and its partners can enhance maritime security and governance in the region, helping to promote regional stability and prosperity.

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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett’s Mission to Tuvalu: Enhancing Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific