The Vietnam Coast Guard’s second high-endurance cutter, CSB 8021, has completed its journey from the United States to Vietnam.
According to the US Coast Guard, the cutter’s voyage marks the longest sail ever made by a Vietnam military vessel. The trip from Seattle included stops in Hawaii and Guam.
The cutter, formerly known as USCGC John Midgett, got underway from Seattle on June 1 and joined CSB-8020, which was transferred to Vietnam in May 2017.
“The US government donated this ship to exemplify the strong maritime security cooperation between the two countries and to help ensure a rules-based order in the East Sea,” the US embassy in Hanoi said confirming the arrival of the ship home.
Former John Midgett was transferred to the Vietnam Coast Guard in August 2020 and subsequently underwent an eight-week dry dock repair and maintenance availability.
The work took place at Lake Union Shipyard in Seattle and 88 Vietnam Coast Guard crewmembers were trained in the vessel’s use and maintenance. The normal transfer schedule was extended because of COVID-related international travel delays. The overhaul work, equipment, technical assistance and training is valued at around $17 million.
CSB 8021 is one of 137 vessels the US has delivered to 32 different countries through the EDA program since 1998, including motor lifeboats, tenders, patrol boats, and medium and high endurance cutters.
