USCGC Hamilton transits into Black Sea for NATO mission By (0) USCGC Hamilton transits the Mediterranean Sea before heading into the Black Sea Tuesday. Photo by Sydney Phoenix/U.S. Coast Guard April 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton transited into the Black Sea Tuesday in support of NATO Allies and partners, the Navy announced. The Legend-class national security cutter is the first Coast Guard cutter to visit the Black sea since 2008, according to a Navy press release. Advertisement The Navy described the Hamilton's deployment to the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility as a routine deployment to work alongside allies, build maritime awareness and share best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards.