By Karen Robes Meeks
Personnel from the US Coast Guard and the Australian Department of Home Affairs will be able to participate in an officer exchange program, thanks to a recent memorandum of agreement (MOU) inked by Rear Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander of Coast Guard 14th District, and Kingsley Woodford-Smith, assistant commissioner of the Australian Border Force.
The MOU allows one Australian Border Force marine unit officer to work a four- to six-week assignment in Honolulu, Hawaii, while a Coast Guard officer will serve with the Australian Border Force fleet.
“The memorandum of agreement solidifies an already incredible relationship with our Australian partners in the Blue Pacific region,” said Cmdr. Jason Brand, chief of enforcement, Coast Guard 14th District. “The agreement enhances the interoperability between the U.S. Coast Guard and Australian Department of Home Affairs by creating a personnel exchange system designed to share experience, professional knowledge, and doctrine between the partners. This exchange is another tool for our work to promote and further a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
