U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam experiencing temporary VHF-FM radio communication disruption

01/12/2024 04:31 AM EST

SANTA RITA, Guam — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam advises the public the Joint Rescue Sub-Center is currently experiencing an interruption in receiving communications over VHF-FM radio via the Rescue 21 towers, Jan. 12, 2024. This disruption is an unintended consequence of a routine and pre-planned router relocation to enhance our operational capabilities. During the shift, watchstanders transferred the guard to listen to the VHF-FM communications to colleagues in Hawaii, similar to the precautions taken during Typhoon Mawar. However, upon transferring listening back to watchstanders, it was determined neither watchstanders in Guam nor Hawaii could now hear traffic on VHF-FM. The Rescue 21, the advanced maritime computing, command, control, and communication system designed to locate mariners in distress efficiently, is not fully operational. Technicians are diligently working to resolve the issue. However, at this time, there is yet to be an estimated time for the return to full operational service.