Category: US Coast Guard

KOSRAE, Federated States of Micronesia — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam personnel, as part of Pacific Partnership 2024, conducted a series of boating safety workshops and community outreach activities in Kosrae, further strengthening maritime safety awareness and building meaningful relationships within the local community from Sept. 17 to 20, 2024. During the mission stop, U.S. Coast Guard personnel led four comprehensive boating safety workshops at the Kosrae Community Center and the island’s three marinas — Okat, Lelu, and Utwe. These workshops provided crucial information on maritime safety and search and rescue operations, with a particular focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by remote island communities like Kosrae. “It’s an honor to work with the people of Kosrae, who have a rich history as skilled watermen, to support their maritime safety with modern tools and techniques,” said Lt. j.g. Melissa Reilly, the U.S. Coast Guard representative for Pacific Partnership 2024 in Kosrae. “Through these workshops, we aim to provide local mariners and fishermen with resources that honor their seafaring heritage and enhance survival and expedite rescue in emergencies.”

PELELIU, Republic of Palau — The Republic of Palau and the United States reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and shared history at the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held from September 13 to 18, 2024, in Peleliu, with participation from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. The meeting followed the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Peleliu, a pivotal World War II event symbolizing the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. It highlighted the commitment of the U.S. Coast Guard to regional security and support for Palau’s maritime initiatives. Distinguished delegates from both nations, including Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich, Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander of Joint Task Force-Micronesia, and Capt. Robert Kistner, Forces Micronesia Sector Guam commander, representing the U.S. Coast Guard, gathered to discuss ongoing initiatives and future collaboration to enhance regional security, economic development, and community resilience. The JCM, a keystone of the Compact of Free Association, provides a platform to address mutual priorities and challenges.

Coast Guard and Area Maritime Security partner members conducted two Cyber Security tabletop exercises in the U.S. Virgin Islands Wednesday and Friday. The exercises completed in St Croix, Wednesday, and St Thomas, Friday, evaluated regulated waterfront facilities’ priorities and response actions resulting from a simulated cybersecurity insider threat, and assessed the facilities’ cybersecurity resiliency in response to a simulated significant ransomware incident. “This Cyber Security Exercise is instrumental for us to continue strengthening our governmental and industry partnerships and the level of preparedness within our Caribbean Area Maritime Security community,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander.  “By frequently training together, we improve our ability to collectively respond to a real complex incident that could affect our area of responsibility, which also allows us to better safeguard, prevent and minimize any negative impacts to our maritime infrastructure and economy.”

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Kathleen Moore returned 60 migrants to the Dominican Republic between Wednesday and Thursday, following two separate interdictions of irregular, unlawful maritime migration voyages in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico. Two of the interdicted migrants remain in U.S. custody to face federal prosecution by the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico on separate charges including attempted reentry into the United States subsequent to an aggravated felony under 8 U.S.C. 1326(b)(2), and failure to heave to under 8 U.S.C. 2237.