Strategic plan bolsters maritime partnerships

U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Royal Canadian navy personnel maintain a recently signed five-year strategic plan will establish the foundation for future coordination and joint operations.

“Whether it’s combating criminal activity by international drug cartels in the eastern pacific, or strengthening maritime governance and the rule of law to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, we rely on our Navy and Canadian partners to maximize success,” Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander Coast Guard Pacific Area, said. “This strategic plan improves interoperability and coordination across our sea services, allowing us to more effectively secure our countries’ shared maritime safety, security, and economic interests.”

The services participated in a Three-Party Staff Talks (TPST) meeting via video conference which culminated in the signing of the strategic plan, officials said, noting staff from the three services collaborated in February ahead of
the TPST during a multi-day working group where the teams focused on joint operations, exercise planning, and communications.

“We routinely operate together across many different mission sets,” Vice Adm. Scott D. Conn, commander Navy Third Fleet, said. “However, we are always looking at ways to improve our interoperability and strengthen our partnership. Our staff talks provide a valuable forum to discuss and plan how we will continue working together to defend the homeland while ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment.”