The United States and Tonga signed an enhanced maritime security agreement today, Friday during a brief but high-level visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, deepening cooperation to combat illegal fishing, drug trafficking and transnational crime across the Pacific.
The bilateral shiprider agreement was signed at 2:00 p.m. at Masefield Navy Base today by Deputy Secretary Landau and HM Armed Forces Minister, HRH Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, with a U.S. Coast Guard cutter moored in Nukuʻalofa harbour.
“And on this day, when we have the Coast Guard cutter, right here in the harbour of Nuku'alofa, to be signing with the Crown Prince, this enhanced shiprider agreement that allows for enhanced cooperation between the United States of America, particularly the coast guard, and the Kingdom of Tonga, to help rid the Pacific of those who are violating the law, whether by the laws, or in fishing, or laws regarding the transport of drugs,” Deputy Secretary Landau said at the brief ceremony.
He praised the U.S. Coast Guard’s history and role in maritime security.
“The United States Coast Guard is one of the finest institutions in the United States. We are very very proud, it goes back to the earliest days of our country, and it has been providing services to the American people for more than two centuries,” he said.
“We're having our 250th year of independence, and I think it's particularly fitting in this year.”
Landau added that Washington and Nukuʻalofa share broad security interests across the region.
“There are many, many things in the United States, and Tonga can do together to increase the security of this great Pacific Ocean,” he said.
“And I am so proud, Mr. Crown Prince, to be here today, with the great people of Tonga, to be signing this.... Thank you very much. Thank you everyone.”
How a Shiprider agreement works
A shiprider agreement is a bilateral maritime law enforcement pact allowing officers from a partner nation to embark on U.S. Coast Guard or Navy vessels. The embarked “shiprider” — typically a police, customs, or military officer — provides the legal authority for U.S. crews to stop, board and search suspect vessels operating within the host nation’s exclusive economic zone.
The agreements are widely used across the Pacific Islands and Caribbean to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking and maritime smuggling. They are particularly significant for smaller island nations with limited patrol assets, enabling them to extend enforcement reach and safeguard critical marine resources.
As of 2025, the United States has established shiprider agreements with at least twelve Pacific Island countries, part of a broader effort to strengthen regional partnerships and maritime surveillance capacity.
Today's signing coincided with the deployment of USCGC William Hart in support of Operation Blue Pacific — a multi-mission Coast Guard initiative aimed at promoting security, safety, sovereignty and economic prosperity across the Pacific.
Whirlwind visit
Deputy Secretary Landau arrived at Fuaʻamotu International Airport at 10:10 a.m., where he was welcomed by the Tongan Government. Following the signing ceremony and engagements in the capital, he returned to Fuaʻamotu Airport for a 4:00 p.m. departure.
The visit underscores Washington’s expanding diplomatic and security engagement in the Pacific, with maritime cooperation at the forefront of efforts to reinforce sovereignty and uphold the rule of law across the region.
By Matangi Tonga reporters.
