The United States Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE visited Barbados from June 1 to 4. The 295-foot Barque EAGLE is the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard. She serves as a training vessel for Cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. EAGLE is the only active U.S. military sailing vessel.

The Cadets of the EAGLE, under the command of Captain Matthew Meilstrup, rode in to the Bridgetown Port accompanied by Sea Cadets from the Barbados Cadet Corp. During the ride in the Sea Cadets toured the vessel and observed the EAGLE Cadets conducting day-to-day activities.

The crew of the EAGLE also hosted members of the Barbadian military ranks at a reception aboard the ship.

In her remarks, the U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS Linda Taglialatela told attendees, “As a Coast Guard ship, it symbolizes the United States’ commitment to combating transnational crime on the high seas throughout the world, with a significant presence here in the Caribbean. As a training ship dedicated to growing the future leaders of the Coast Guard, it symbolizes the future, and the importance of the investments we make every day in our collective security.”

While on island, the crew toured and participated in a community project at the Nature Fun Ranch. Ambassador Taglialatela, visited the ranch and thanked the Cadets for taking some of their time to assist at the ranch. The ship was also open to free public tours.