Port-au-Prince, February 4, 2022
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 9:00 am, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dependable arrived in Port-au-Prince to deliver vital parts and supplies to maintain and improve the Haitian Coast Guard fleet. After a seven-day journey, the Dependable’s arrival marks the first time in many years since a U.S. Coast Guard vessel has docked in Haiti, demonstrating the United States’ enduring commitment to Haiti. The Commandant of the Haitian Coast Guard, the Director General of Haiti’s National Port Authority, and U.S. Embassy staff met the vessel on arrival at the port.
After docking, port authorities facilitated efficient offloading of the nine cargo pallets destined for use by our Haitian Coast Guard partners. The Haitian Coast Guard assisted in the successful transfer of U.S. government material worth over US$200,000, provided by the U.S. Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office, with U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command funding. The cargo included critical boat repair parts, as well as two marine engines. These parts will help enable a fully operational Haitian Coast Guard fleet.
U.S. Coast Guard Operations Officer Lieutenant Frank Williams commented, “The crew of the Dependable is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Haitian Coast Guard in deterring and interdicting illicit activity in the maritime domain. Today’s delivery of vital support equipment represents an enduring commitment to aiding the Haitian government in building capacity to conduct the safety and security missions across its 1,700 kilometers of coastline. Our hope is this visit is the first of many as our partnership continues to grow.” This successful operation is yet another example of Haitian and U.S. efforts to collaborate in ensuring stronger maritime security in the region.
