The Government of the United States donated two last generation ships to the Costa Rica Coast Guard Service (SNG).

The intention of the U.S. of donating this equipment had been announced since June,2016, by U.S. Assistant Secretary William Brownfield of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs after a meeting with Costa Rica’s President Luis Guillermo Solis.

The two Island-class patrol boats of 110 feet are the largest in the Costa Rican Coast Guard Service fleet and feature state-of-the-art communication and navigation equipment with excellent operational range and maritime capacities.

Two groups of coast guard officials will be traveling to the United States to receive training on the adequate use of the equipment.

It is expected that the ships will arrive to Costa Rica in May of 2018.

“With this new equipment, Costa Rica strengthens its capacity to carry out antinarcotic operations, humanitarian actions and marine biodiversity conservation activities”, explained the Minister of Public Security Gustavo Mata.

The ships have been in active service of the U.S. Coast Guard and are in a process of renovation and remodeling.

“This area is the heart of maritime transit zones for illicit drugs and we will help protect the water ways from illegal fishing, this critical milestone will underscore Costa Rica’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in the fight against drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other illicit activities”, commented Sharon Day, United States Ambassador to Costa Rica.

The total value of the donation, including the renovation of the ships, renovation of the equipment and the training of the officials, comes close to US$18.9 million.