U.S. Coast Guard Monitors Russian Spy Ship Near Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard reported on Thursday that it identified a Russian military spy ship operating near U.S. territorial waters on October 29. Officials stated that they are actively monitoring the vessel’s movements.

The intelligence ship, part of the Vishnya class, was spotted about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu. This prompted the deployment of a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft and the cutter William Hart from Barbers Point Air Station.

In their release, the Coast Guard mentioned that they conducted a professional overflight survey of the Russian vessel, known as the Karelia, approaching it closely.

The Coast Guard emphasized that their officers are closely observing the ship’s activities to comply with international law and to safeguard U.S. maritime interests in the vicinity.

Moreover, they are monitoring the situation as part of broader homeland defense strategies. “The U.S. Coast Guard routinely observes maritime operations around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific,” said Col. Matthew Chong, a response officer in the Coast Guard Oceania District.

Chong added that in collaboration with partners and allies, they monitor and respond to foreign warship operations to protect U.S. territorial waters.

According to the U.S. Army’s information, the Vishnya-class ships are specific intelligence-gathering vessels originally constructed for the Soviet Navy in the 1980s. Currently, the Russian Navy has seven of these in active service.

The Army explains that these vessels are large and designed to collect signals intelligence using various sensors. They also can transmit data to shore via satellite communications. While primarily for intelligence purposes, they have defensive capabilities, including AK-630 weapons systems and surface-to-air missile launchers for emergencies.

The Coast Guard Oceania District continuously monitors foreign naval activities in the region in coordination with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and other partners to secure national safety.

It’s important to note that, under international law, foreign military ships can operate outside a nation’s territorial waters, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline.

As of now, the Coast Guard has not provided additional comments in response to inquiries from media outlets.