These bilateral patrols are enabled by a “shiprider” agreement signed between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands on August 5, 2008. Under this treaty, Marshallese law enforcement officers are authorized to ride aboard U.S. Coast Guard vessels and enforce their national laws within their territorial waters and EEZ, using U.S. assets. The cooperation allows both countries to enhance law enforcement capabilities, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and combat transnational threats such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
The joint team reported that all vessels boarded were in compliance with Marshallese regulations, reflecting a growing awareness and respect for maritime rules in the region. However, officials stressed that continued patrols are essential to deterrence, especially as IUU fishing remains a pervasive threat across Pacific Island nations.
“The Marshall Islands and the United States share not just maritime space, but also a mutual dedication to preserving the economic and environmental sustainability of our ocean resources,” said Lt. Cdr. Jeffrey Bryant, commanding officer of the USCGC Oliver Henry. “Through joint efforts like these, we empower our partners while reinforcing lawful behavior at sea.”
The operation also emphasized capacity-building, as Marshallese officers gained further hands-on experience in high-seas law enforcement and vessel boarding protocols. For the U.S. Coast Guard, the patrol served as a strategic exercise in regional engagement and mutual trust-building.
This collaborative mission is one of many under Operation Blue Pacific, which has seen similar shiprider operations with countries including Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands. These efforts collectively contribute to a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” a U.S. policy goal that seeks to ensure regional stability, sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.
