Commissioned in 2012, Stratton is one of ten Legend-class national security cutters, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. It is named after Capt. Dorothy Stratton, who led the service’s all-female reserve force during World War II.

“The cross-embarkation mission marks an unprecedented step in QUAD Coast Guard collaboration, enhancing joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness in support of a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific,” the ministry said in its official statement.

Further, it stated that the mission is in line with the vision presented at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024, signifying deeper ties between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Japan Coast Guard (JCG), US Coast Guard (USCG), and Australian Border Force (ABF), the statement read.

The mission is active under the Wilmington Declaration. During the Summit held in Wilmington, Delaware, the leaders of respective nations had planned to launch the initiative to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, The Indian Express reported.

India’s participation

India’s participation in the mission, according to the statement, “reinforces its strategic maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and complements national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), with an emphasis on capacity-building, humanitarian outreach, and maritime rule of law.”

“The QUAD at Sea initiative sets the foundation for a ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ fostering stronger trust, coordination, and collective resilience amid evolving maritime challenges in the region,” the release stated.

The Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference is also likely to be held this year in Mumbai.