Acting Director-General of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Maritime Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim, stated that the acquisition of the vessel will be a significant asset in strengthening the security of Malaysia's Maritime Zone, particularly in the South China Sea.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is expected to receive the decommissioned United States Coast Guard (USCG) vessel, “USCGC Steadfast,” following its preparation in Baltimore, United States.
The ship is anticipated to be brought back to Malaysia in the first quarter of 2025.
Acting Director-General of MMEA, Maritime Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim, stated that the presence of this vessel would be a significant asset in strengthening the security of Malaysia’s Maritime Zone, particularly in the South China Sea.
“The addition of this asset will indirectly enhance our operations, making them more effective and efficient,” he was quoted by the national news agency, Bernama during a press conference following the completion ceremony of the Maritime Class II Cadets Series 17/2023, involving 75 trainees at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS).
Saiful Lizan noted that the “USCGC Steadfast,” measuring 64.16 meters in length and 10 meters in width with a weight of 1,100 tons, could accommodate 12 officers and 63 other ranks simultaneously, achieving speeds up to 18 knots with an operational range of up to 6,100 Nautical Miles.
Commissioned into the US Coast Guard service in 1968, the “USCGC Steadfast” was decommissioned on February 1, 2024.
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