US guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey visits Karachi port

US guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG61) arrived at Karachi port on Tuesday on a two-day visit.

As being reported, US guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), deployed with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), conducted a scheduled sustainment and logistics port visit in Karachi from Jun 8-9.

 

Pakistan Navy in an official statement on Thursday said, “USS MONTEREY (CG-61) of US Navy visited Karachi Port. US and Pakistan Navy ships participated in the Passage Exercise wherein various seamanship and warfare drills were conducted. The visit of US Ship will further strengthen bilateral relations between both the navies.”

Reportedly, the Monterey’s visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team also improved bilateral maritime security capabilities and interoperability through a subject matter expert exchange with their Pakistani counterparts.

US Embassy Chargé d’affaires a.i. Lesslie Viguerie went on board to meet with the crew.

“The military-to-military ties between the United States and Pakistan are strong and enduring,” said Chargé Viguerie.

“Through staff exchanges and joint exercises, we are working together to protect the world’s most important shipping lanes, combat piracy, and counter-terrorism. Together, we can help ensure a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Asia.”

“Monterey’s crew was excited for the opportunity to visit Pakistan,” said Captain Joseph A Baggett, commanding officer of Monterey.

“It’s important that we continue to work together with regional and coalition partners and reinforce our mutual commitment to maritime security and stability.”

The 5th Fleet, the IKE CSG is operating and training alongside regional and coalition partners.

The 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.

While the expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three chokepoints, critical to the free flow of commerce.

The 5th Fleet is providing naval aviation support to Operation Inherent Resolve.