MMEA starts mission to bring home former US Coast Guard vessel, expected to arrive in November
PUTRAJAYA (July 17): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has begun a mission to bring home the Ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter (Ex-USCGC) Steadfast from the United States (US), with the vessel expected to arrive in Malaysia this November.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said that a team of 46 enforcement personnel will depart for Baltimore, US, tomorrow to carry out the mission.
He said the team will serve as the first crew for the vessel, which will become a new asset for the MMEA and boost the country's maritime enforcement capabilities, particularly in the South China Sea.
'This mission marks a proud moment in history, not only for the agency but for Malaysia as a whole. It is not just an ordinary voyage – it symbolises international recognition of the MMEA's capabilities and professionalism,' he said in a statement.
Mohd Rosli added that four MMEA officers have been in Baltimore since May to undergo adaptation training and carry out technical inspections of the vessel as part of the initial preparations for the return journey.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Madani Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for approving the process of receiving the ship from the US Coast Guard.
'Without the strong support of the government, a mission like this would not have become a reality. This proves that the country's leadership consistently supports efforts to strengthen Malaysia's maritime security,' he said.
The Ex-USCGC Steadfast measures 64.14 metres in length and 10 metres in width, and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 18 knots.
Meanwhile, in another development, Mohd Rosli welcomed the Home Minister's call for civil servants to equip themselves with competence and skills in performing their duties, while upholding trust and integrity.
'These qualities are essential for every MMEA enforcement officer. Without competence and skills, the agency's assets cannot be managed effectively. If trust is not the core value, the nation's waters will be exposed to maritime crime threats, endangering the country,' he said. — Bernama Ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast MMEA Mohd Rosli Abdullah
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