US transfers six patrol boats to Vietnam coast guard

Students from Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 graduate the basic Metal Shark operators course on March 29.

The US Embassy stated in a press release that the transfer includes six brand-new fast response Metal Shark boats - capable of reaching up to 35 knots - along with trailers and spare parts estimated at approximately US$12 million.

“This official transfer at the VCG Region 3 Station at Van Phong bay is another milestone and evidence of the continued friendship between the US and Vietnam,” said Colonel Nguyen Minh Khanh, Vice Commander of the VCG Region 3.

"Coast Guard Region 3 is unequivocally Vietnam’s most strategic region and arguably its most importance, proven by the high skill level of the group of boat drivers, handlers, and engineers. The Metal Shark trainers have called the group of graduating students ‘honor graduates’ because of their exceptional skill level and willingness to problem solve", said lieutenant commander (LCDR) Kristen Byers at the handover ceremony held on March 29.

Delivering these patrol vessels represents deepening US - Vietnam cooperation in the fields of maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and maritime humanitarian assistance operations within Vietnam’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 Metal Shark boat underway, capable of reaching 35 knots.

These boats will assist the VCG Region 3 in coastal patrols and law enforcement to combat smuggling, illicit trafficking, piracy and armed robbery against ships, and illegal fishing. Over the past two weeks, the VCG has demonstrated their ability to operate the Metal Shark boats with proficiency and have proven they are ready for more advanced Metal Shark training.

“The Metal Shark boats have excellent water jets that are flexible and very easy to maneuver in Vietnam’s territorial waters – perfect for maritime law enforcement. The Metal Shark boat classroom and practical exercises at sea were very useful”, said senior captain Lam Van Nguyen, one of the graduating students, said at the handover ceremony.

The US Embassy, through its Office of Defense Cooperation, coordinates US - Vietnam security cooperation activities on behalf of the US Indo-Pacific Command to advance common defense goals and interests.

This cooperation, as agreed upon in the September 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, includes security assistance and educational exchanges between the US and Vietnamese militaries.