Costa Rica's Ministry of Defense is using a former U.S. Navy ship from World War II to support marine patrols [1].
This deployment is critical for the protection of marine life in the South Pacific waters of Costa Rica. By increasing the presence of patrol vessels, the government aims to deter illegal fishing operations that threaten the region's biodiversity and sustainable fishing practices.
According to reports, the vessel is named the MODOC. It was originally built in 1944 [1] at the Levingston Shipyard in Orange, Texas. The ship serves as a platform for the Ministry of Defense to monitor the coast and intercept illegal activities.
"The MODOC, a 1944 vessel originally built for the United States Navy at Levingston Shipyard in Orange, Texas, is now used […]", a reporter from The Tico Times said [1].
While the ship is an antique of naval history, its current role is environmental protection. The Ministry of Defense is utilizing the vessel to ensure that the majority of the Pacific coast is under surveillance. This allows the Ministry to project power and presence in areas where illegal fishing is often conducted without one
“Costa Rica's Ministry of Defense is the using a former U.S. Navy ship from World War II to support marine patrols.”
The use of a 1944 vessel indicates a resource-constrained environment for the same-time modernization of the same-time own naval fleet. It highlights the use of legacy hardware to solve modern environmental crimes, showing a pragmatic approach to maritime security in Central America.
