U.S. Coast Guard to assist Fiji in patrolling waters around their Economic Exclusive Zones

The U.S. Coast Guard will be assisting Fiji and nine other Pacific Island nations in patrolling the waters around their Economic Exclusive Zones made possible through an exchange agreement.

The US navy ship, USS Shoup has arrived in Fiji this morning as part of their Oceania Maritime Security Initiative deployment.

During their visit the USS Shoup sailors will be conducting professional exchanges with Fijian sailors and participate in community events.

Commanding Officer of USS Shoup, Commander Andy Strickland has highlighted that .A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments embarking on the USS Shoup as part of their Oceania Maritime Security Initiative mission to provide the realistic and relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

Commander, Strickland says that Oceania Maritime Security Initiative deployment is a Secretary of Defense initiative which  aims at reducing transnational illegal activities on high seas in the Pacific Island nations Economic Exclusive Zones and it will also enhance regional security and connecting to partner nations.

Each nations has territorial waters stretching out 12 miles from shore and also stretching out 200 nautical miles are areas defined by national laws that allow each nation the rights to explore and also the freely use of maritime resources.