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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell Makes Historic Visit to Libya

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090601-02
Release Date: 6/1/2009 9:20:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa Public Affairs

TUBRUQ, Libya (NNS) -- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell (WHEC 719) arrived in Tubruq, Libya, May 31 as part of a theater security cooperation mission to strengthen the maritime partnership between the United States and Libya.

Boutwell is the first U.S. military ship to visit Libya in more than 40 years. During the ship's three-day port visit, the crew will conduct various training and leadership exchanges with Libyan maritime enforcement personnel and will participate in several cultural exchanges.

The training ranges from international search and rescue operations to damage control training and techniques.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Capt. Kevin Cavanaugh, and Commander, Task Force 68, Capt. "Red" Smith began the visit with official calls with local military and civilian leaders, followed by a luncheon aboard the ship with the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Gene A. Cretz, and other military and civilian officials.

While in port, Boutwell crew members will have opportunities to visit local cultural sites of interest and interact with Libyan military and civilians.

Members of the Libyan military and Boutwell crew members will also participate in games of soccer and basketball followed by informal dinner receptions hosted by both Libyan military officials and Boutwell.

Boutwell is one of 12 of the U.S. Coast Guard's high endurance cutters and is homeported on Coast Guard Island, Alameda, Calif.

On deployment since January, the ship and its crew have trained with numerous maritime, naval and coast guard forces; conducted counterpiracy and maritime security patrols off the Horn of Africa and in the Arabian Sea; and participated in the multinational exercise "AMAN '09", hosted by the Pakistani Navy.

The cutter is currently in support of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.