U.S. Coast Guard supports U.S. Pacific Fleet navigation initiatives in Federated States of Micronesia

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Tori Barrett | The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia (WLB 215) hosts Ambassador Robert Riley, U.S. ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, on a visit of opportunity while in Yap May 7, 2019. The Ambassador was on Yap to meet with the newly elected governor, while the Sequoia was there to start a Waterway ATON assessment. Riley met with the crew and talked about the evaluation, Coast Guard operations in the region, and took questions from the team about the challenges of being an ambassador. The cutter crew also provided Riley and guests from the local government in Yap a short tour of Sequoia. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy USCGC Sequoia/Released)  

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

05.24.2019

Story by Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir                  

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU -- The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an aids-to-navigation and waterways assessment in the Federated States of Micronesia in support of improved maritime safety and defense readiness in May.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia, a 225-foot seagoing buoy tender homeported in Guam, completed surveys in Yap, Chuuk, and Phonpei. While in Yap, the Sequoia's crew hosted local officials and U.S. Ambassador Robert Riley. In Pohnpei, the Sequoia crew hosted tours for the public.

The ports and waterways of the Federated States of Micronesia are essential to maritime commerce and U.S. defense readiness. A large volume of commercial, military, and private vessels use these routes.

"The U.S. Coast Guard, in a joint effort with U.S. Embassy Phonpei, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Department of the Interior, and the Federated States of Micronesia, is working to improve the readiness and safety of maritime navigation systems," said Rear Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District. "Our work together is essential to strengthening the U.S. relationship with the Federated States of Micronesia, improving regional maritime governance, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Improved navigation systems promote maritime governance in the South Pacific, essential for economic prosperity and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Federated States of Micronesia, with a population of 105,000 people and more than 600 islands, is comprised of four states: Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2019
• Date Posted: 05.24.2019 18:52
• Story ID: 323971
• Location: FM