The operations were designed to increase interoperability as part of a regional effort to bolster maritime partnerships with NATO allies. Working with the Italian Coast Guard and Italian Navy strengthens our maritime partnership and reinforces our shared values, said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of USCGC Hamilton. Our engagements with Italy this week bring unity of effort in the maritime domain through interoperable capabilities and combined operations.
More than half of regional economic activity relies on safe and lawful use of maritime space, making maritime security essential to economic development and sustainment. To further this objective, Hamilton participated in search and rescue exercises with the Italian Coast Guard in the Tyrrhenian Sea.