US, Canadian navies and USCG strengthen partnerships through new strategic plan

The US Coast Guard, US Navy and Royal Canadian Navy have signed a five-year strategic plan earlier this week, laying the foundation for future coordination and joint operations.

Representatives of the coast guard and the two navies participated in a Three-Party Staff Talks (TPST) meeting via videoconference which culminated in the signing of the strategic plan.

“Whether it’s combating criminal activity by international drug cartels in the eastern Pacific, or strengthening maritime governance and the rule of law to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, we rely on our Navy and Canadian partners to maximize success,” Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander Coast Guard Pacific Area, commented.

“This strategic plan improves interoperability and coordination across our sea services, allowing us to more effectively secure our countries’ shared maritime safety, security, and economic interests.”

Staff from the three services collaborated in February ahead of May 26 TPST during a multi-day working group where the teams focused on joint operations, exercise planning, and communications. The TPST meetings and working groups provide a face-to-face forum for discussions and planning opportunities for improving defense readiness, homeland security, fisheries enforcement, counter-drug law enforcement, and search-and-rescue operations between the services.

“We routinely operate together across many different mission sets. However, we are always looking at ways to improve our interoperability and strengthen our partnership. Our staff talks provide a valuable forum to discuss and plan how we will continue working together to defend the homeland while ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment,” Vice Adm. Scott D. Conn, commander US Navy Third Fleet, said.