The U.S. Coast Guard encountered a Russian military intelligence vessel just three miles outside territorial waters off Oahu, Hawaii, on October 29. The incident highlights ongoing maritime monitoring amid heightened U.S.-Russia tensions. The Coast Guard responded with an overflight and patrol to ensure security.
On October 29, the U.S. Coast Guard detected a Russian military vessel 15 miles off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, placing it within three miles of American territorial waters, which extend 12 miles from shore. The ship was identified as an intelligence vessel built in 1986 for the Soviet Union and equipped with close-in weapon systems and surface-to-air missile launchers.
In response, the Coast Guard conducted a "safe and professional overflight and transiting" near the Russian vessel. This involved an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point and the cutter William Hart. The agency stated it was monitoring the vessel's activities to provide maritime security for U.S. vessels and support homeland defense efforts.
Captain Matthew Chong, chief of response for the Coast Guard Oceania District, emphasized routine operations: "The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters." He added, "Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests."
The encounter occurs against a backdrop of elevated tensions between the United States and Russia. Recent weeks have seen President Donald Trump direct the military to conduct new nuclear weapon tests, prompted by alleged secret tests by Russia and China. Trump stated, "Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it. You know, we’re an open society. We’re different. We talk about it. We have to talk about it, because otherwise you people are going to report." He continued, "We’re going to test, because they test and others test."
Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that upcoming U.S. testing would involve systems checks, not nuclear detonations. Russia has denied the allegations and warned it would "respond in kind" if the U.S. proceeds with nuclear testing.