This port visit marks the fourth stop while conducting operations in U.S. Sixth Fleet, following Spain, Italy and Georgia. During their stop in Odesa, Hamilton crew engaged with the Ukrainian navy, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Maritime Border Guard, Maritime Search and Rescue Agency, and United States Senior Defense Official to Ukraine.

“Hamilton’s gracious welcome to Odesa reflects the strong and valued partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and Ukrainian navy,” said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of Hamilton. “We look forward to having more opportunities to work together and enhance maritime safety and security, particularly with our allies and partners here in the Black Sea.”  

 

The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a strong partnership with the Ukrainian maritime forces through extensive training and subject matter expert exchanges.

Hamilton crew conducted maritime law enforcement training with the Maritime Border Guard and exchanged damage control and firefighting expertise with the Ukrainian navy. Hamilton also served as the training platform for Ukrainian 73^rd Special Force Unit to conduct maritime law enforcement training.

The U.S. and Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship and the continued commitment of the United States to support enhanced engagement between the NATO and Ukraine.

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in U.S. Sixth Fleet, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness and sharing best practices with partner nation Navies and Coast Guards.

Hamilton is the fourth national security cutter and is the fifth named for the father of the U.S. Coast Guard – Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and advocate for the creation of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.

The U.S. Coast Guard remains operational during COVID-19, following all COVID-19 safety precautions and regulations.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.