US transfers 6 patrol boats to Vietnam

The US Coast Guard (USCG) today handed over six Metal Shark 45 Defiant patrol boats and facilities worth a total of $20 million to the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 4 Command. The handover ceremony was held on Phu Quoc Island, during the first visit to Vietnam by Vice Admiral Fred M. Midgette, Commander of the USCG, according toUS Embassy.

The infrastructure handed over to Vietnam includes a training center, maintenance workshop, a boat lift, facilities, and a maritime simulator. The US Embassy affirmed that the transfer ceremony is "a new milestone in the growing cooperation between the United States and Vietnam, demonstrating US support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law".

"This fall, we plan to break ground on the Coast Guard Region 3 facility in Vung Tau. This is truly an exciting time in the fruitful partnership between the United States and Vietnam," said US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink.

The Vietnam-US partnership continued to grow after visits to Vietnam by US President Barack Obama in 2016 and US President Donald Trump in 2017. US Secretary of Defense James Mattis also visited Vietnam in January 2018, followed by a visit by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson earlier this month.

According to the manufacturer's website, the Metal Shark 45 Defiant is designed to meet the missions of the military and law enforcement forces. The boat is equipped with patrol and search and rescue (SAR) equipment such as lights, sirens, gun mounts, has 6 basic seats and can be changed according to requirements. The boat has a maximum speed of more than 70 km/h and a lifespan of over 30 years.