The United States delivered six Metal Shark coastal patrol boats to Vietnam recently, a modest boost to the capabilities of the Vietnam Coast Guard but a huge indication of the deepening military ties between both countries confronted by a common enemy -- China.

The turnover of the brand new 45-foot patrol boats expands both countries' security cooperation amid tension in the disputed South China Sea.

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The boats belong to the Defiant-class, which is described by the boat's maker, Metal Shark Boats, as "very nimble and capable military patrol vessels are configured for coastal and nearshore patrol, search and rescue, and interdiction."

The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered 18 boats "to stabilize US interests in South Asia." The first six 45 Defiant patrol boats have been delivered, and these are the boats received by Vietnam.

The Metal Shark Defiant patrol boats were officially handed over by U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius to the Vietnam Coast Guard in Quang Nam, Region II.

The U.S. Embassy said the handover represented deepening cooperation in maritime law enforcement and humanitarian assistance in Vietnam's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

Vietnamese state-controlled media said the patrols boats will assist VCG Region II in inter-coastal patrols and law enforcement in smuggling, illicit trafficking, piracy and armed robbery against ships, and illegal fishing.

Immediately after the transfer, VCG will begin to train on and operate the vessels, making them fully operational.

"Vietnam's future prosperity depends upon a stable and peaceful maritime environment. The United States and the rest of the international community also benefit from regional stability, which is why we are here today, and it is why we are very pleased to be working together with the Vietnam Coast Guard," said Ambassador Osius at the handover ceremony.

The U.S. Embassy, through its Office of Defense Cooperation, coordinates U.S.-Vietnam security cooperation activities on behalf of United States Pacific Command to advance common defense goals and interests.

This cooperation, as agreed upon in the September 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, includes security assistance and educational exchanges between the U.S. and Vietnamese militaries.

Vietnam and China along with four other nations including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan claim all or parts of the Spratly islands in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea.

China continues to build artificial islands on reefs and shoals around the Spratlys and installed military facilities on these islands. The move has angered countries in the region as well as the United States, which champions freedom of navigation and overflight in the area.