U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hamilton (WMSL 753) will enter Malta’s historic Grand Harbor on Monday, May 17, 2021. This is the ship’s first visit to Malta.
During Hamilton’s visit, officers and crew will engage in training exercises with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). The AFM’s Maritime Safety and Security Training Centre is modeled on the United States Coast Guard’s own search and rescue (SAR) school, which is widely regarded as the world’s premier source for SAR training. Second Lieutenant Miguel Cauchi is the first Armed Forces of Malta soldier to graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Gwendolyn “Wendy” Green greeted the USCG cutter Hamilton’s arrival, “My colleagues and I are delighted to welcome the Captain and crew of the USCG cutter Hamilton to Malta’s magnificent Grand Harbor – the first visit of a Coast Guard cutter since 2008! We hope you enjoy Malta’s incredible richness and history while you are here. USCG cutter Hamilton’s visit is a tribute to the strong bilateral relationship and a demonstration of the mutually beneficial collaboration between the Armed Forces of Malta and the U.S. Coast Guard.”
USCG cutter Hamilton is named after the USCG cutter Alexander Hamilton, which served with distinction during World War II. Both ships are named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of Treasury and founder of the Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S Coast Guard’s predecessor.
Captain Timothy Cronin is the Commanding Officer of the USCG cutter Hamilton. Captain Cronin graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Government and received his commission in May 1996.