Colombia receives Island-class vessels from the US and strengthens maritime patrols (X @USCG)
The United States Coast Guard has announced it will transfer three Island-class patrol vessels to the Colombian Navy.
The vessels, Liberty, Mustang, and Naushon, were officially decommissioned in Alaska in May 2025 and are among the last of this class, which is being replaced by the more modern Sentinel-class models.
Even though they have exceeded their planned service life, the ships will continue to operate under Colombian command through the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
Developed in the 1980s, Island-class patrol boats were designed for coastal patrol missions, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, and maritime border enforcement. About 34 meters long, these vessels can reach speeds over 29 knots, operate up to five days without refueling, and have a range of 3,300 km.
The design features a steel hull combined with an aluminum superstructure for lightness and durability. Standard armament includes a 25 mm cannon and two 12.7 mm machine guns, with some units upgraded with modern sensors.
These vessels are known for their durability and reliability, having served for over 30 years before being gradually phased out. Several US partner countries—such as Ukraine, Georgia, Costa Rica, Pakistan, and the Philippines—have also received vessels of this class, many of which remain in operation following local refurbishments. Colombia now joins this group, boosting its naval capabilities with the arrival of the three new patrol boats.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @USCG | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
La @ArmadaColombia a partir del 16 de junio pondrá en operación 3 unidades patrulleras de costa tipo Island Class, que estuvieron al servicio de Guardia Costera Norteamericana en Alaska, las cuales reforzarán la lucha contra el crimen organizado trasnacional en el Caribe. 🇨🇴🤝🏼🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xFIGmVA1W1
— Comandante Armada de Colombia (@COMANDANTE_ARC) May 19, 2025
