US transfers 6 patrol boats to Vietnam

On May 22, US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius officially handed over six 14-meter Metal Shark patrol boats to Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2 in Quang Nam, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Vietnam.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius at the handover ceremony of the ship to the Vietnam Coast Guard. Photo: US Embassy in Vietnam.

"Vietnam's future prosperity depends on a stable and peaceful maritime environment. The United States and the international community also benefit from stability in the region. That is why we are here today and why we are pleased to work together with the Vietnam Coast Guard," said Ambassador Osius.

The six patrol vessels will support the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2 in inter-coastal patrols and law enforcement against smuggling, illicit trafficking, piracy and armed robbery against ships, and illegal fishing. After the handover ceremony, the Vietnam Coast Guard will begin training and operating the vessels.

Photo: Vietnamnet

The handover marks another important step forward in expanding security cooperation between Vietnam and the United States. It also demonstrates increasingly deepening cooperation in the fields of maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations at sea, and maritime humanitarian assistance cooperation in Vietnam’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

According to VNE