The United States Coast Guard Cutter William Hart returned to Samoa to support Samoa’s efforts to counter transnational crime, enhance maritime awareness, and protect fisheries and other natural resources.

The ship was here from 6 to 10 February.

The crew of the fast response cutter USCGC William Hart (WPC 1134) conducted bilateral maritime law enforcement operations with a Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officer in Samoa’s exclusive economic zone.

The ship’s crew, together with Celina Oliva, the Samoan Fisheries Assistant Officer-Offshore, completed three commercial fishing vessel boardings in the Samoan exclusive economic zone. During the boardings, officers conducted safety checks, documentation review, gear inspection and catch verification. No violations were identified.

US Embassy Apia Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki noted, “The U.S. Coast Guard’s presence in the Pacific is rooted in longstanding partnerships and our shared values.  The shiprider program allows U.S. and Samoan professionals to work side-by-side on the Cutter to counter transnational crime and protect fisheries.”

Through bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements, the host nation determines vessel targeting for law enforcement boardings within its EEZ, identifies violations, and determines penalties and follow-on procedures.

“These bilateral boardings demonstrated the strength of our partnership with Samoa and our mutual commitment to safeguarding critical resources,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Helsabeck, commanding officer of the William Hart. “By working closely with Samoan fisheries officers, we strengthened maritime law enforcement across the region, deterring illegal fishing activity and upholding security and stability.”

The crew of the USCGC William Hart is deployed in support of Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavour to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in the Pacific. Coast Guard cutters, aircrew and personnel deploy throughout the Pacific to maintain unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime domain for all nations, improve regional stability, and solidify the Coast Guard as a reliable partner for maritime safety, security, and stewardship in the Pacific.

The William Hart is the third 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter homeported in Honolulu. The cutter’s primary missions are maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defence. USCGC William Hart was last in Samoa in May 2025.