The US Coast Guard Harriet Lane, an 82-meter vessel, berthed in Cairns recently as part of the Operation Blue Pacific patrol. The ship is working in partnership with allied nations and will also collaborate with the Australian Border Force in patrolling domestic waters with Cairns playing a crucial strategic role due to its proximity to the rest of the Pacific and its logistical advantages.
I was fortunate to be able to meet the US Consul General Christine Elder, Commanding Officer Nicole Tesoniero and some of the crew of the vessel before she sailed for Papua New Guinea.
