US Coast Guard vessel docks in Port Klang for the first time
The ship, launched on Sept 29, 2006 is 127m long and is powered by two diesel engines and a gas turbine.
KLANG - The United States Coast Guard's Bertholf vessel makes its way to Malaysia and docks in Port Klang for the first time.
Under the command of Captain William L. Mees, the 418-foot long US vessel, which carries around 170 people on board, plays a crucial role in fostering international collaboration.
"As a trusted partner, the US Coast Guard is proud to operate with the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to conduct professional exchanges to improve the maritime capabilities of both countries.
"By partnering with the MMEA, the Coast Guard seeks to strengthen global maritime governance to preserve sovereignty, share information to facilitate force-multiplying partnerships, and demonstrate professional standards of behaviour to reinforce the rules of law at sea," he told reporters on Friday.
Capt Mees and his crew welcomed members of the media and gave them a tour of the vessel on Friday afternoon.
The Bertholf is the first Legend-class maritime security cutter of the US Coast Guard.
The ship, launched on Sept 29, 2006 is 127m long and is powered by two diesel engines and a gas turbine.
It was named after Commodore Ellsworth Price Bertholf, the Coast Guard's first Commandant.
Capt Mees said he and the crew were excited to be in Malaysia.
"We are going to enjoy our stay here and are looking forward to seeing Kuala Lumpur. The food, I heard, is very good," he said.
Dramatic experience he faced while commanding the ship
"I think the most dramatic experience for me and my crew was navigating through Singapore and the Malacca Straits.
"I think we have encountered thousands of vessels that average from 800 to 1,300 feet.
"But it really shows that this area is the epicentre of worldwide commerce. So having navigate through there in these past few days really emphasises how important this location is and for the rest of the world," he added.
