The Royal Bermuda Regiment recently swapped ideas and experience with a visiting United States Coast Guard cutter crew.

The cutter Rollin Fritch arrived in Bermuda on May 27 for the joint exchange, the US Consulate office said.

The exchange is part of continuing operations between the Government of Bermuda, the RBR, the Bermuda coastguard, and the Bermuda Police Service.

On May 28, members of the RBR boarded the vessel as part of the exchange.

Lieutenant-Commander Joseph Petry, Commanding Officer of the Rollin Fritch, said the two shared “a strong bond in our service culture of pride and professionalism, which provides a strong foundation for strengthening this relationship”.

He said the partnership could be “a force multiplier for shared goals in maritime governance”.

Tom Oppenheim, the Deputy Governor, Karen Grissette, the US Consul-General, and Sam Bennett, development officer of the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps, were given a tour of the ship.

Officials discussed “collective efforts to advance the longstanding US-Bermuda partnership”.

Ms Grissette said: “I was delighted to re-engage with the officers and crew, who were here for operations last year.”

Mr Oppenheim said: “It is always of benefit to compare approaches and practise skills between the RBR coastguard and international partners.”

He added: “We are delighted that the US Coast Guard continues to view Bermuda as a valued partner in international attempts to counter illegal and unregulated fishing.”

An RBR spokesman said: “Having worked with the Rollin Fritch last year, it was great to see some familiar faces among its crew.

“These exchanges are always productive, and this one in particular focused on exchanging ideas in relation to the equipment and techniques we each use in the counter-narcotics role.”

Commander Petry expressed gratitude to the US Consulate, Government House and the Government of Bermuda for their continued support of US Coast Guard engagement in Bermuda.

He said: “The US Consulate and Government of Bermuda have been tremendous in their support and helped to arrange this wonderful port visit for the crew.

“I speak for the crew and myself in expressing my gratitude to the great people of Bermuda for their kind and gracious hospitality during our visit.

“This is my last deployment before changing assignments and passing command to my relief, and cannot envision a greater last port visit for my time on board the Rollin Fritch.”

The US Consulate said the cutter, a sentinel-class fast-response ship, was a key component of the coastguard’s offshore fleet “that is capable of deploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue, and national defence”.