POHANG, Republic of Korea - U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) departed Pohang, the Republic of Korea, June 11, following several engagements with the Korea Coast Guard, U.S. Consul General Nolan Barkhouse and multiple Republic of Korea dignitaries.
While moored in Pohang, the Waesche crew hosted Korea Coast Guard Commissioner General Kim Jong-Uk, Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-Deok, and U.S. Consul General Nolan Barkhouse for tours and meaningful conversation. The leaders discussed shared principles between the two coast guards and how to build upon best practices and strengthen maritime partnerships.
“We appreciate the Korea Coast Guard and the people of Pohang for their warm welcome to Pohang,” said Capt. Tyson Scofield, commanding officer of the Waesche. “The U.S. Coast Guard has a longstanding commitment to our allies in the region to advance capability through meaningful human interactions. We remain unwavering supporters to our partners in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Waesche hosted the Korea Coast Guard members onboard for tours and subject matter expert discussions. Conversely, the Korea Coast Guard Station Pohang and KCG 1510 hosted Waesche crewmembers onboard for tours of the facilities.
Waesche is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. DESRON 15 regularly assumes tactical control of surface units operating in the area.
Commissioned in 2010, Waesche is the second legend-class national security cutter and is homeported in Alameda, California. National security cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, and can hold a crew of up to 170. The advanced technologies of the national security cutter class ships are designed to support global operations and missions.