U.S., Australia Partner for Maritime Border Protection

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to highlight common missions, interests and capabilities, along with opportunities for collaboration for mutual benefit, Tuesday.

The MOU will benefit the U.S. and Australia partnership by strengthening maritime cooperation through the sharing of information needed for maritime domain awareness activities. Also, it will encourage and promote cooperation in the areas of personnel development, research and other areas relating to civil maritime law enforcement operations.

"This agreement allows the Coast Guard and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to combine our strengths in common missions, interests and capabilities," said Rear Adm. Christopher Tomney, assistant commandant, Coast Guard Intelligence and Criminal Investigations. "Australia has long been an ally of the United States and we look forward to continuing to work together on maritime operations."

Rear Adm. Tomney and Michael Pezzullo, chief executive officer, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, signed the agreement at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.