Admiral Linda Fagan, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard, visited Quito in mid-September to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities in maritime operations in Ecuador.
During her visit, Adm. Fagan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriela Sommerfeld, Admiral Jaime Vela Erazo, head of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces’ Joint, and other authorities to discuss joint strategies in the fight against transnational criminal organizations; drug trafficking; and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
In her meeting with Ecuadorian authorities, Adm. Fagan reaffirmed the U.S. Coast Guard’s continued commitment to support Ecuador in its efforts to confront these threats.
“Thank you to the Ecuadorian people for their warm welcome during my visit. We have agreements in place to fight transnational criminal organizations together. The relationship between our maritime services is as strong as the ties between our countries. Together we will continue to defeat the criminal groups that threaten the stability and security of our seas,” said Adm. Fagan.
During her visit to Quito, Adm. Fagan signed the Act of Commitment for the official delivery of two 33.5-meter U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats to the Ecuadorian Navy. While the United States is delivering these vessels at no cost, Ecuador will pay for their refit and transportation. This gesture reinforces cooperation between the two countries and underscores the U.S. commitment to security in Ecuador. The new vessels will be key to enhancing maritime interdiction capabilities and counternarcotics operations.
The United States is proud of its support for expanded defense and security capabilities and cooperation through the Agreement Concerning Operations Against Illicit Transnational Maritime Activities and the Status of Forces Agreement signed with Ecuador in 2023. These agreements, like similar bilateral agreements around the world, govern the operational parameters for U.S. military personnel conducting training, developing capabilities or delivering assets in Ecuador.
The U.S. and Ecuador broaden and deepen their cooperation through training, equipment, infrastructure, joint operations, among other activities, to address shared security challenges.
