The U.S. Coast Guard is ramping up its presence in the Pacific, and that’s good news for Hawaii as well as many Pacific island nations that lack a naval presence. Coast Guard cutters deploy to enforce fishing rules, to provide assistance with marine rescues and to provide aid throughout the Pacific.

Early next year, the 1,800-ton cutter Harriet Lane, commissioned in 1984, will be joining Hawaii’s six-cutter fleet, with a crew of about 100. The expansion, supported by U.S. Rep. Ed Case, furthers the Coast Guard’s plan to triple its deployments in coming years.