U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James Visits Buenos Aires, Argentina

From a U.S. Embassy in Argentina release. See originally published release.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) and its crew arrived April 29 at the Port of Buenos Aires.

This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Argentina, aimed at enhancing maritime security and combating illicit activities at sea. During this visit, the crew will also conduct joint drills on the high seas with their Argentine counterparts, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of this mission.

The cutter, staffed by 150 men and women, is one of the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the Coast Guard's fleet. The crew is dedicated to missions including combatting drug trafficking and monitoring for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUU-F) activities in the Atlantic Ocean. Their work not only supports U.S. interests but also contributes to regional stability and security.

James operates under the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area command, based in Portsmouth, Virginia, and engages in a variety of operations from counter-narcotics to maritime law enforcement. The cutter's presence in Buenos Aires provides an opportunity for shared learning and further cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard and its Argentine counterparts, solidifying the bond through practical and tactical engagements.

James is a 418-foot, Legend-class national security cutter that is homeported in North Charleston, South Carolina. Its design provides better sea-keeping, higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the ability to launch and recover small boats from astern, as well as aviation support facilities and a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.