US Coast Guard joins North Korea sanctions enforcement in East China Sea

US Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf pulled into Sasebo, Japan, earlier this month after supporting the enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) sanctions on North Korea.

Bertholf was tasked with preventing illicit ship-to-ship transfers that violate North Korea sanctions.

The patrol is a part of the United States’ ongoing contribution to international efforts in combating North Korea’s maritime sanctions evasion activity. Ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and goods, like coal, going to and from North Korea are prohibited under UNSCRs.

Bertholf departed its homeport of Alameda, California, Jan. 20, for the deployment to the Western Pacific in support of United States Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees military operations in the region.

“The United States is a Pacific nation,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, who oversees the cutter. “We have deep and long-standing ties with our partners in the region, and more importantly, we share a strong commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, governed by a rules-based international system that promotes peace, security, prosperity and sovereignty of all nations.”

Prior to the patrol in the East China Sea, Bertholf pulled into US Naval Base Yokosuka, Japan, where the cutter hosted officers of the Japan coast guard aboard.