Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The first ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission has been conducted by the coast guards of the four member countries: Japan, Australia, India, and the United States.

The mission took place from on board the USCG Cutter “STRATTON” in between the Republic of Palau and the US territory of Guam in the western Pacific, Japan Coast Guard (JCG) stated.

Approximately two officers from each Quad member coast guard participated on the mission, which was based on the Joint Statement agreed on the Japan-Australia-India-US Leaders’ Meeting in September 2024.

The initiative is designed to share knowledge and build trust among the coast guard agencies.

In the exercise, two Japan Coast Guard officers boarded a US Coast Guard cutter with Australian and Indian coast guard officers to head to Palau to Guam.

The participants observed various tasks and training, which included small boat boarding, emergency responses and other exercises. 

While on board the STRATTON, the participants built up trust through introducing the work of their respective countries and exchanging various opinions.