“We can’t afford not to.”

Those five words spoken by Dorothy Stratton, the first Director of the Coast Guard’s Women’s Reserve Branch, now sail across the Pacific on a boat bearing her name.

And aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter “Stratton,” her legacy lives on through a multinational crew carrying out the first ever quad-at-sea observer mission, a powerful example of unity among the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India. 

A little over 100 days into a four month patrol, the crew made a brief but historic stop in Guam after departing from Palau.

Part of a broader effort to deepen partnerships with allied nations, they worked side-by-side, engaging in professional exchanges, at-sea training, and search and rescue exercises.

“We shared best practices to enhance our capabilities and deepen our ties,” said Capt. Brian Krautler. “The U.S. Coast Guards’ role in supporting the QUAD is a testament to our decades-long relationships and adaptability in responding to the evolving needs of our regional partners.”

Captain Krautler is at the helm of the Stratton, returning to Guam 27 years after starting his service here.

“The U.S. Coast Guard’s mission extends beyond our national interests. It’s about forging and advancing partnerships with allies and partners who share our vision for maritime governance that is inclusive, transparent, and based on mutual respect and shared goals,” said Krautler. 

The Quad Alliance focuses on shared priorities from maritime and economic security to humanitarian aid and emerging technologies.

For Captain Krautler, these priorities can only be achieved when nations work together.

“This was a great first opportunity for us to sail together, but we need to do it more often and we need to do it longer,” added Krautler. “It is intuitive that we’re stronger together, that no one nation can maintain that degree of maritime governance. And so, our ability to collaborate with partners and bring nations, organizations together is really important.”

He adds that Guam continues to be a cornerstone of security in the region and the center of the Coast Guard’s relationships with the greater Pacific.

“It’s something that we have to continue to invest in and make sure that our folks understand that Guam is home, that it is a part of the United States that is vital,” said Krautler.

So whether it's in the bridge or the galley, the spirit of shared responsibility is what drives this mission, living up to the vessel’s motto: “We can’t afford not to.”